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Miami's Jakobe Thomas Pays Tribute To Hurricanes Legend
Sep 20, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jakobe Thomas (8) celebrates after sacking Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (not pictured) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Miami's Jakobe Thomas Pays Tribute To Hurricanes Legend

Originally posted on Miami Hurricanes on SI
By Justice Sandle  |  Last updated Sep 22, 2025 9:07 AM ET

No. 2 Miami is playing out of its mind, and for the first time in a long time, they win a game on the defensive side of the ball.

Could it be that the Hurricanes have the best defense in the country? Maybe, but they also have some stars in the secondary that were playing lights out against the Florida Gators.

Tennessee Transfer Jakobe Thomas has been one of the best and most consistent players for the Canes since setting foot in Coral Gables. Against the Gators, he was arguably the best player in the game and capped off a five-tackle, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one sack game in the only way a Cane knows how, with a little "dirty bird".

Ray Lewis is one of the best Miami Hurricanes to ever play at the collegiate and professional level, and it was only right after a monster sack that Thomas would be poised to dance. It showcases the swagger that the team has on defense and also highlights the talent being displayed in Miami.

Where do the Miami Hurricanes Rank Ahead of Bye Week?

AP Top 25

(Ranking, team, first-place votes)

  1. Ohio State (52)
  2. Miami (7)
  3. Penn State (5)
  4. LSU
  5. Georgia
  6. Oregon (1)
  7. Oklahoma (1)
  8. Florida State
  9. Texas A&M
  10. Texas
  11. Indiana
  12. Texas Tech
  13. Ole Miss
  14. Iowa State
  15. Tennessee
  16. Georgia Tech
  17. Alabama
  18. Vanderbilt
  19. Michigan
  20. Missouri
  21. USC
  22. Notre Dame
  23. Illinois
  24. TCU
  25. BYU

Others receiving votes: Auburn 122; Mississippi State 102; South Florida 77; Utah 45; Arizona State 30; Memphis 23; Louisville 23; Maryland 6; UNLV 3; UCF 3; North Texas 2.

Coaches Poll

(Ranking, team, first-place votes)

  1. Ohio State (61)
  2. Penn State (3)
  3. Georgia (1)
  4. LSU
  5. Oregon (1)
  6. Miami (1)
  7. Texas
  8. Florida State
  9. Texas A&M 
  10. Oklahoma
  11. Ole Miss
  12. Indiana 
  13. Iowa State
  14. Texas Tech 
  15. Tennessee 
  16. Alabama
  17. Georgia Tech
  18. Michigan
  19. Missouri
  20. Vanderbilt
  21. Notre Dame
  22. USC
  23. Illinois
  24. BYU
  25. TCU

Others receiving votes: Arizona State 104; Utah 99; Louisville 67; Mississippi State 57; Memphis 55; Auburn 48; South Florida 32; Washington 19; Navy 17; Maryland 10; Kansas 6; Syracuse 4; Houston 4; UNLV 3; Tulane 3; Nebraska 3; North Texas 2; Iowa 1.

This article first appeared on Miami Hurricanes on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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