Game Details
- Matchup: 4 Miami Hurricanes vs. Florida Gators
- Date: Saturday, 9/21/2025
- Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium
- TV: ABC National
Recent History
- Last matchup: August 31st, 2024 in the Swamp; Miami 41 – Florida 17
- All-time series record: Miami 30 wins – Florida 27 wins
- Last time the Gators traveled down to Miami: September 7th, 2013. Miami defeated 12th-ranked Florida, 21-16
Miami Hurricanes Outlook
Offense: Carson Beck leads the offense as he is off to a stellar start with the Hurricanes. He has completed nearly 80% of his passes for 812 yards and seven touchdowns. Beck has thrown two interceptions (one of which was tipped by his own wide receiver), but has been a great, poised quarterback who looks extremely comfortable in Shannon Dawson’s offense.
The engine that makes the offense great is the offensive line. Alex Mirabal is one of the best offensive line coaches in the country and arguably
has the best line in the nation. Francis Mauigoa will be a first-round pick in this upcoming draft and sets the tone for the rest of his guys on the line. Anez Cooper has continued to be great with his ferocious style of play. The 6’9 monster in Markel Bell has been holding his own and has been exceptional at left tackle. Transfer James Brockermeyer has been a consistent presence at center, and Samson Okunlola at left guard has been playing well, too. Their physicality jumps out on tape and really sets the tone for each game they play.
The playmakers have been the pleasant surprise. Starting with the wide receivers, LSU transfer CJ Daniels and true freshman star Malachi Toney have been one of the best duos in the country to begin the season. Between the highlight-reel making plays from Daniels and the explosiveness and consistency Toney brings, they have been phenomenal for Beck and this offense. Mark Fletcher Jr. has been on a tear to begin the season, rushing for 273 yards and four touchdowns. TE Elijah Loftin has yet to make his mark in the offense, and injuries to Joshisa “JoJo” Trader, Jordan Lyle, and others have given opportunities to others who have stepped up. For instance, Joshua Moore has made the most out of his chances as the true freshman had his breakout game against USF last week. When all the weapons for Miami get healthy, the depth they’ll have will be even deeper and scarier for opposing defenses.
Defense: This Hurricanes defense has been special to start the season. New defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman has really transformed the defense and has changed the way people view Miami on a national scale. Starting with the defensive line, this unit is the best in the country. Rueben Bain Jr. is an absolute menace on the field and is a game-breaker. Bain has been so dominant that there have been rumblings of him being in the Heisman race three games into the season. Across from him is Akheem Mesidor, who has been just as good. The interior of the defensive line has been playing well, too, but it faces a tough matchup against the Gators’ interior offensive line.
The second level for the Canes has been much better compared to last year. The communication and execution have been good thus far, starting with LB Wesley Bissainthe. The tenacity he provides is contagious to the rest of the defense, including his linebacker partner, Mohamed Toure. This duo has been great for Miami. They play fast and physical, which has been the main thing Hetherman has been preaching all offseason.
The secondary is much improved due to the effective communication they have had through three games. Miami has brought in a few transfers for that unit on defense, and they have played like they have been together for years. Keionte Scott has been playing really well at nickel for Hetherman’s defense. OJ Frederique Jr. was one of the only bright spots last season and has continued his stellar play this season. Other notable players that have shown up and played well are Zechariah Poyser, Jakobe Thomas, Bryce Fitzgerald, and Xavier Lucas.
Florida Gators Outlook
The Florida Gators’ offense had tons of hype heading into the season because of their quarterback, DJ Lagway. The talent is there, but his lack of experience has been exploited through three games. Lagway has thrown five touchdowns and six interceptions to start the season. Five of those six interceptions happened last week at LSU. He has two good receivers in Vernell Brown III and Eugene Wilson III, but the inconsistency within that Billy Napier offense has not been great. Their offensive line was being talked about as a great unit, yet they really haven’t lived up to those standards. They have talent along that line, including Jake Slaughter. It just seems like nothing is clicking right now offensively for Florida, and it could be another stagnant night for Napier’s offense.
The defense has been the opposite of their offense. They have performed well and have bailed out the offense on multiple occasions, most notably in the LSU game last week. It all boils down to them being on the field a lot and costly mistakes for the Gators’ defense. It’s not the lack of talent on that side of the ball, as they have Myles Graham, George Gumbs Jr., and others playing well. Talent is great, but to be disciplined in doing what you’re asked to do is what makes you great. Whether that is a coaching issue or something else, the Florida defense will make things tough for the Miami offense. For how long, though, is the question.
What’s at Stake
- Being a real national championship contender: Miami has to win games like this to really put its name into that conversation. In years past, this would have been a game that the Hurricanes could lose and ruin their whole season, given the hype they had received. Taking care of a rival at home with another great performance is another step in the right direction to being a real contender.
- Recruiting bragging rights in Florida: These games always have a serious impact on recruits and the battle that happens within the schools and the state. Look no further than what Mario Cristobal said last year when the Canes defeated Florida at Gainesville.
- Billy Napier and his job: Depending on how this game goes in Miami, we can see a program change drastically after Saturday night.
Prediction
I had originally predicted the Florida Gators to score single digits on Saturday night. The news coming out of the Swamp has not been great nor pretty, and I believe a game like this can really change the program. The confidence in that building and mood is at its lowest, and it’ll take a heroic effort to make it better.
But my main prediction of waking up on Sunday and getting that notification of Billy Napier being fired still sticks with me. I see the Hurricanes punching early and taking all of the juice out of the Gators’ sideline. The “here we go again” mentality will creep in for Florida as Miami will dominate in the trenches and make everything difficult for them. A hostile environment won’t make it any easier, and I see the Hurricanes taking advantage of the opportunity to make a real statement to the country about being genuine national championship contenders.
Final Score Prediction: Miami 31, Florida 14
