The Miami Hurricanes enter the 2026 ACC Media Days as the team to beat, widely projected to win the conference championship. This expectation follows a season that culminated in a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance, narrowly lost due to a late interception by quarterback Carson Beck. Many analysts believe the current Hurricanes squad possesses even greater firepower than the team that reached the final.
Despite joining the ACC over two decades ago, Miami has yet to secure an ACC Championship. However, head coach Mario Cristobal has assembled a roster and coaching staff that many believe is poised to break that streak in 2026. The Hurricanes return numerous key players, supplemented by transfers, including offensive weapons like Malachi Toney, Mark Fletcher Jr., and Cooper Barkate. The team's offensive coordinator, Shannon Dawson, will have a potent arsenal at his disposal.
The quarterback position sees the arrival of Darrian Mensah via the Duke Blue Devils. Some observers consider Mensah to be the most talented quarterback Cristobal has coached at Miami, possessing the tools and mentality to execute Dawson's offense efficiently. He will be supported by a wealth of talent at wide receiver and running back.
However, questions linger regarding Miami's offensive and defensive lines, with both starting tackles and edge rushers needing replacement. The team's recruiting success in these critical areas is expected to help mitigate these departures following the NFL draft.
Key players like former five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott are expected to anchor the interior of the defensive line. On the edge, former Missouri transfer Damon Wilson, a highly sought-after defensive prospect, is anticipated to bolster the pass rush.
While Miami is considered the favorite, potential challengers exist within the conference. Clemson, under coach Dabo Swinney, is seen as a potential contender, especially after a recent conference title and College Football Playoff appearance. The Tigers are noted for their recruiting prowess, rivaling Miami's.
Another team to watch is SMU, which defeated Miami last season. Although they do not meet during the regular season, a potential ACC Championship game matchup between SMU and Miami could prove challenging for the Hurricanes, echoing their previous encounter.
Miami's conference schedule is considered relatively manageable, with a notable road trip to Notre Dame on Halloween. Despite the perceived weakness of the conference slate, early October road game against Clemson is flagged as a potential test.
Overall, Miami's combination of offensive firepower, elite coordinators, significant talent advantages, and a favorable schedule positions them as strong favorites to win the ACC in 2026. The team is expected to prove its preseason billing on the field as the season approaches.