Miami RB Mark Fletcher Jr. makes NFL Draft decision

The Miami Hurricanes are in the midst of a run through the College Football Playoffs. They very well could win the whole thing. At the very least, they have an opportunity to do so.

Expectations are high in Coral Gables, though, and a CFP appearance this season will only serve to heighten them for 2026. No matter how this CFP ends up for the Hurricanes, head coach Mario Cristobal will be under pressure to deliver again next season. That will be especially true if Miami comes up short.

The Hurricanes did get good news in that regard, though, because on Tuesday, one of their best players decided to skip the 2026 NFL Draft and return for one more season of college football. That would be running back Mark Fletcher Jr.

"Yeah, it's true. I'm coming back another year," Fletcher said on Tuesday, according to ESPN/The Associated Press. "I have another year. You know, I'm a true junior. Another year guaranteed. I love this team. I love this organization. I love this culture. And I just want to spend more time with my brothers while I can."

Miami Hurricanes RB Mark Fletcher Jr. returning for the 2026 season

Including No. 10 Miami's 10-3 win over No. 7 Texas A&M in the first round of the CFP, Fletcher has rushed 158 times for 857 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

He's averaging a strong 5.4 yards per carry, and he picked up his season-long run of 56 yards in the win over the Aggies. Fletcher checks in at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, and he also has great speed once he gets into the open field.