The Miami Hurricanes have three key players that present the biggest challenges to Notre Dame heading into the season opener

It is the moment Notre Dame fans have all been waiting for, the 2025 college football season officially kicking off on Sunday night against the Miami Hurricanes. While the two programs haven’t played a ton during their rich histories, the battles have grown a subtle competitive hatred for the other. Most people are probably planning on watching the Catholics vs Convicts documentary to prepare for the big game, reminiscing about some great games in the past. 

This is also a matchup against two top-10 ranked teams, and could have some massive implications toward a College Football Playoff berth at the end of the season. The Hurricanes are a talented team under head coach Mario Cristobal, and Marcus Freeman will have to have a solid game plan prepared. There are three Miami players who could make or break this game in either direction. 

Here are those Miami standouts to know as Notre Dame continues to prepare for their Hard Rock Stadium clash. 

QB Carson Beck 

It’s cliche to pick the quarterback as the biggest potential difference maker, but this offense could live or die based on just how good Beck is this season. He had an impressive 2023 season but was considerably worse this past year, struggling mightily with turnovers. When Beck is comfortable and things are solid around him, he’s a good player. Is he able to elevate when everything isn’t perfect around him? We will know on Sunday night. 

WR JoJo Trader 

Banged up a bit as a true freshman in 2024, most expect Trader to become a breakout star for the Hurricanes this season. At around 6-1 and 190 pounds, Trader is a springy athlete who can make plays with the football in the air, but excels as a route runner and his after catch ability. There’s a good chance that Trader plays all over the formation against the Irish, so both Leonard Moore and Christian Gray will need to be ready. If there is a wide receiver who becomes a difference maker for Miami, it’ll be the sophomore Trader. 

EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.

At 6-3 and 275 pounds, Bain is a powerful rusher who has a propensity to collapse pockets when getting after the quarterback. He was a bit banged up as a sophomore last year, but had a really impressive season back in 2023. Anthonie Knapp and Aamil Wagner will have to be ready in obvious passing situations to protect quarterback CJ Carr. You will also see Bain reduce down to rush from the interior at times as well. Stifling No. 4 should be a big part of the Notre Dame game plan.