Miami's Rise to the National Championship Is No Surprise - The Blueprint’s Been There All Along
When Miami takes the field for the College Football Playoff National Championship, don’t call it a Cinderella story. This isn’t some out-of-nowhere run.
For those who’ve been paying attention - like ESPN’s Holly Rowe, who saw the Hurricanes up close back in September - this was always a possibility. Maybe even a probability.
“I remember telling one of my colleagues, ‘Miami might be in the National Championship Game,’” Rowe said recently. “They haven’t surprised me.”
And why would they? From the trenches to the quarterback room, Miami has built one of the most balanced and physically dominant teams in the country. That’s not hyperbole - it’s been on display all season long, especially in the biggest moments.
The Foundation: Line of Scrimmage Dominance
This Miami team starts and ends with its physicality. Head coach Mario Cristobal made that the cornerstone of his rebuild from day one.
He didn’t just talk about toughness - he recruited it. And now, guys like All-Americans Rueben Bain on the defensive line and Francis Mauigoa anchoring the offensive front are the embodiment of that vision.
Rowe, who was on the sidelines for Miami’s 26-7 win over Florida in September, saw it firsthand. The Hurricanes racked up seven tackles for loss and four sacks that night, while their offensive line bulldozed Florida for 184 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 46 carries. That kind of trench play isn’t flashy, but it wins football games - especially in January.
Against Florida State, Miami’s defense again made its presence felt with five TFLs and two sacks. Even when Florida’s defense managed to slow Miami’s ground game - holding them to under 100 rushing yards - the Hurricanes found other ways to win.
The Quarterback and the Star Power
Carson Beck has grown into the kind of quarterback who can take over a game when needed. That was never more evident than in the Fiesta Bowl win over Ole Miss, where he orchestrated two fourth-quarter scoring drives to seal a wild 31-27 victory. It was a game that tested Miami’s resolve - and they passed with flying colors.
Beck’s connection with a dynamic group of wide receivers has added a vertical threat to Miami’s offense that complements the physical run game. But when things get tight, it’s Beck’s poise that has made the difference.
And then there’s Malachi Toney. Rowe didn’t mince words: “Malachi Toney is the best player in college football right now.”
That’s not just high praise - it’s a statement backed by performance. Whether it’s making contested catches, breaking open a game with a big play, or drawing coverage that opens up opportunities for others, Toney has been a game-changer.
The CFP Run: A Showcase of Balance
Miami’s playoff journey has been a masterclass in adaptability and balance. Against Texas A&M in the first round, the defense led the way in a gritty 10-3 win. Then came the quarterfinal against Ohio State, where the Hurricanes again leaned on their defensive front to control the game.
But in the Fiesta Bowl, it was the offense’s turn. Beck and his receivers made the big plays, but it was running back Mark Fletcher Jr. who gave Miami the edge they needed.
Fletcher has been a revelation in the postseason, racking up 395 rushing yards on 58 carries across the three CFP games. That includes a career-high 172 yards on just 17 carries against Texas A&M - a performance that set the tone for Miami’s playoff push.
Altogether, Miami has rushed for 519 yards and three touchdowns in the CFP. It’s the kind of production that keeps defenses honest and opens up the playbook.
Resilience Defined
What might be most impressive about this Miami team isn’t just the talent - it’s the way they’ve responded to adversity. Losses to Louisville and SMU in the regular season could’ve derailed their season.
Instead, they recalibrated. They got better.
And now, they’re playing their best football when it matters most.
That resilience is part of the culture Cristobal has instilled. It’s not just about winning - it’s about how you win. And this team wins with grit, with physicality, and with a belief in the blueprint that’s been in place since Day 1.
So when Miami lines up for the national title, don’t be surprised. They’ve been building toward this moment all season. And if you ask those who’ve been on the sideline, like Holly Rowe, they saw it coming months ago.