Is This the Year? Miami Looks to Prove Itself in Heated Rivalry at Florida State

Few teams in college football have made a louder early-season statement than Miami. The Hurricanes have stormed out to a 4–0 start behind an elite defense, a revamped offensive line, and the steady hand of transfer quarterback Carson Beck. 

Now, the Canes are set to face their biggest test yet — a trip to Tallahassee to take on rival Florida State in one of this weekend’s few ranked matchups.

FOX Sports college football writers RJ Young and Michael Cohen break down where the Hurricanes stand, what’s different this time around, and whether Miami has the pieces to make a legitimate run at a national title.

Carson Beck #11 of the Miami Hurricanes throws a pass against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

RJ Young: The Hurricanes are capable of winning the ACC title. But that was true last year, too. And even with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Miami couldn't reach the ACC Championship Game because it lacked the wherewithal to finish the season as it started. 

This 2025 Miami team hasn’t revealed how good it truly is — not yet. The early signs are promising, but the competition has been anything but. Through four games, Miami’s opponents have a combined record of 11–8, and only one — South Florida — currently has a winning record.

Yes, Florida State will be Miami's third top-25 opponent this season, and there’s a chance that Louisville could make it four when the Cardinals visit in two weeks. But the quality of those opponents is still up for debate. Then-No. 6 Notre Dame dropped all the way to No. 22 after losing at home to Texas A&M, and Florida, once a top-25 team, hasn’t beaten anyone besides Long Island.

After an