Miami Hurricanes Make Playoff Push Under Cristobal's Leadership

The Miami Hurricanes have made a significant leap towards the College Football Playoff under head coach Mario Cristobal, earning the No. 10 seed in the 2025-26 CFP field. Cristobal expressed gratitude and excitement upon learning of the playoff berth, emphasizing that this is a validation of the hard work put in since he took over the program in December 2021.

The Hurricanes' path to the title begins on December 20 against the No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies, with hopes of contending for their first national championship since 2001. This season, Miami rebounded impressively after a rocky stretch, finishing strong by defeating Syracuse, NC State, Virginia Tech, and Pittsburgh by a combined score of 151-41.

Senior linebacker Wesley Bissainthe reflected on the journey, noting the progress made under Cristobal and the commitment to continue improving. The Hurricanes faced challenges in previous seasons, including a disappointing 5-7 record in Cristobal's first year and a strong but ultimately flawed 2024 campaign that ended with a 10-3 record.

This year, Miami's resurgence has been marked by a focus on building a competitive roster through top recruiting classes and transfers, showcasing their potential impact on the postseason landscape. According to the Miami Herald, Cristobal is determined to present the best version of the University of Miami on the field, as they prepare for their playoff journey.

As for their playoff odds, BetMGM lists Miami at +2200 to win the national championship, reflecting their status as a dark-horse contender in the postseason mix.