Miami Featured in Three of ESPN’s Top Five ACC Games for 2025

Miami’s 21 years in the ACC have been disappointing by their standards, only reaching the conference championship once in that time. In that game, they lost to the Clemson Tigers in a 35-point blowout.

However, the 2024 season may have marked a fresh start for the Hurricanes, and the national media is reflecting that narrative. ESPN has three of the five best ACC games this season involving Miami, showing that they have the potential to compete for a conference championship this year, if not more. 

The first game listed is the classic rivalry between the Hurricanes and Florida State in Tallahassee. Historically, this has been a fairly even matchup, with Miami winning 36 of their 69 meetings. This year looks to be another competitive game, even considering last year's 36-14 Hurricanes win. 

On paper, one might expect Miami to dominate an FSU team that limped their way to a 2-10 record last season. However, some worry Miami could struggle because of a tough start to their schedule, facing Notre Dame in Week One and Florida two weeks before their matchup with FSU.

While this may be true, if the Hurricanes can get off to a hot start, they will enter Doak Campbell Stadium in high spirits and well-rested, as their bye week falls just before their game against the Seminoles.

It’s never an easy task to play in such a hostile stadium, but if Miami puts it all together on offense and sees their new defensive additions come through, this shouldn’t be a nail-biter.

The second Miami game on ESPN’s list is their matchup against Louisville on October 17th. The Cardinals are a team that has garnered significant attention this offseason, largely due to what is expected to be one of the top offenses in the country. That offense primarily hinges on the success of USC transfer Miller Moss, 247Sports’ 11^th-ranked transfer QB.

If Moss can build a connection with emerging wide receiver Chris Bell, Louisville’s offense could be very dangerous in 2025, especially considering they already have one of the best running back duos in the country with Isaac Brown and Duke Watson.

Miami’s defense needs to take the step everyone is hoping for to beat the Cardinals in October, but if they improve as many expect under new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, they should be able to secure a victory.

The last Miami game on ESPN’s list is against SMU on November 1st. The Mustangs are coming off one of their best seasons in school history, reaching the ACC championship in their first year in the conference and making an appearance in the College Football Playoff. 

Between that and a new-look defense, SMU faces a tough road to be the dominant ACC force they were last season. This is another game that will depend heavily on Miami’s defense, but if they can contain Jennings and the Mustangs’ offensive attack, they should be able to come away with a win.

Overall, having Miami involved in so many high-profile games is a double-edged sword. A successful, dominant season would be thrilling for fans, but if they fall short, expect the national media to make sure they hear about it.