Some college football seasons don’t just fill up the win column - they leave a lasting imprint. That was the case for Miami this year.
This wasn’t just about reaching the National Championship game. It was about how the Hurricanes got there: with grit, growth, and a clear identity.
And at the center of it all was a running back who didn’t just take a step forward - he bulldozed his way into the national spotlight.
Mark Fletcher Jr. wasn’t a surprise name heading into the 2025-26 season. At 6-foot-1 with a bruising downhill style, he already had the physical tools to be a force in the ACC.
But what he did this year went beyond potential. Fletcher turned into the engine of Miami’s offense - a dependable, dynamic back who delivered when the stakes were highest.
His transformation is why he stands out as the Hurricanes’ Most Improved Player, and arguably one of the most complete backs in the country.
Let’s talk numbers. Fletcher racked up 1,184 rushing yards on the season, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
He found the end zone 12 times on the ground, added 140 receiving yards and two more scores through the air, and piled up 36 explosive runs - with 17 of those going for 15 yards or more. That’s not just production - that’s consistent, game-changing impact.
But stats only tell part of the story. Fletcher's growth was about how - and when - he delivered.
Need a tough third-and-short conversion? He was the guy.
Trying to close out a game late in the fourth? Feed Fletcher.
He ran with vision, patience, and purpose - the kind of traits that separate a good back from a cornerstone one.
And when the lights got brighter in the College Football Playoff, Fletcher didn’t flinch. He became the focal point of Shannon Dawson’s offense, carrying the load and setting the tone.
Even against the reigning champs, Ohio State, Fletcher managed 90 rushing yards and added 25 more through the air, including a touchdown. That was his lowest rushing total in the postseason.
In the other three playoff games, he didn’t dip below 112 rushing yards. His most dominant showing came in the quarterfinal win over Texas A&M, where he exploded for 172 yards at over 10 yards per carry. Then, in the national title game against Indiana, he punched in two touchdowns and ran for 112 yards - a fitting finale to a breakout campaign.
What stood out most wasn’t just the yardage - it was the trust the offense placed in him. When Miami needed stability, Fletcher was the answer.
When things got tight, he didn’t just keep the chains moving - he imposed his will. His physicality, poise, and consistency became the heartbeat of the Hurricanes’ offense.
By season’s end, Fletcher wasn’t just a productive back - he was the tone-setter. The guy who defined Miami’s identity on offense.
Tough, reliable, relentless. His growth mirrored the team’s rise, and his presence gave the Canes something every contender needs: a player they could lean on when it mattered most.
And here’s the kicker - he’s coming back.
Fletcher announced his return after the quarterfinal win over Texas A&M, and that might’ve been the biggest win of all for Miami’s future. With another year ahead, he enters 2026 as one of the premier backs in college football - not just because of what he’s done, but because of how he did it.
The Hurricanes have big goals for next season. Thanks to Fletcher, they’ve also got a foundation to build on - one that’s tough, tested, and ready to finish what they started.