Stanford Heads to Miami Riding Momentum, Star Power, and Road Toughness
Stanford’s second swing through ACC territory takes them to South Beach this week, as the Cardinal visit Miami on Wednesday night. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.
PT (9 p.m. ET) on the ACC Network, and it comes at a pivotal point in the season for a Stanford team that’s been quietly building a compelling résumé.
Let’s break down what’s clicking for the Cardinal-and why this trip matters.
A Strong Start, Again
At 14-6, Stanford has matched last season’s start, but this one feels different. The Cardinal already own four quadrant one NET wins, including statement victories over three ranked ACC opponents: North Carolina, Louisville, and Virginia Tech. That’s not just a solid record-it’s a sign that this team can hang with the conference’s best.
Consistency has been key, and Stanford’s blend of experienced leadership and breakout youth is giving them a real edge as ACC play heats up.
Ebuka Okorie: Freshman Phenom
There’s no other way to say it-Ebuka Okorie is on a tear. The freshman guard is putting up 21.7 points per game, good for 11th in the nation and third among freshmen. That puts him in elite company, right alongside Duke’s Cameron Boozer and BYU’s AJ Dybantsa as the only first-year players averaging over 21 a night.
Okorie’s scoring isn’t just eye-popping-it’s timely. He dropped 32 against Colorado and 31 in a gritty road win over Virginia Tech, including a game-winner that showcased both his poise and killer instinct. National outlets have taken notice, with Okorie landing in the top-10 for freshman of the year honors across ESPN, Bleacher Report, Field of 68, and Hoops HQ.
Road-Tested and Ready
Stanford has been one of the toughest road teams in the ACC so far. They’re 5-1 away from home, with a perfect 3-0 mark in neutral-site games and a pair of true road wins-including that thriller at Virginia Tech.
In Palm Desert, they claimed the Acrisure Invitational title behind Benny Gealer’s heroics. His buzzer-beater against Saint Louis sealed the tournament win and earned him MVP honors. Add in a neutral-site victory over Colorado in Phoenix, and it’s clear this team doesn’t need home cooking to get results.
NBA Connections Still Running Strong
Stanford’s recent NBA pipeline continues to shine. Maxime Raynaud, who graduated in 2025 after a historic season, is now suiting up for the Sacramento Kings. Since December 1, he’s one of four former Cardinal players-along with Brook Lopez, Spencer Jones, and Ziaire Williams-to post a 20-point game in the league.
Raynaud’s averaging 9.5 points per game for the Kings, bumping that to 11.0 in his 24 starts. Meanwhile, Jones has started 29 of 41 games for the Denver Nuggets this season. That kind of success at the next level speaks volumes about the development happening in Palo Alto.
Dent-Smith Finds His Groove
Graduate guard Jeremy Dent-Smith is heating up at just the right time. Over his last three games, he’s scored 18 or more in each, including back-to-back 20-point outings. His shooting stroke has been especially lethal-he’s hit 12 of his last 22 from beyond the arc, good for a blistering 54.5%.
Dent-Smith’s six triples against North Carolina were the second-most in any ACC game this season, and he’s now shooting nearly 39% from deep in conference play. A two-time Division II All-American, he’s proving he belongs at this level-and then some.
A Familiar Foe in Miami
Wednesday’s matchup will be the sixth meeting between Stanford and Miami, and the second since both joined the ACC. Last year, the Cardinal routed the Hurricanes 88-51 in California-the largest margin of victory in the series. Maxime Raynaud led that charge with 28 points and 12 boards, while Ryan Agarwal and Chisom Okpara also hit double figures.
Stanford has some history with Miami, too. They knocked off the Hurricanes in the 2015 NIT Championship behind 25 points from Chasson Randle and clutch free throws in the final seconds. Miami did get a win in the 2016 Advocare Invitational, but the Cardinal have had the upper hand more often than not.
The Bottom Line
Stanford is playing confident basketball, with a rising star in Okorie, a sharpshooter in Dent-Smith, and a battle-tested roster that’s proving it can win anywhere. The road trip to Miami offers another chance to solidify their standing in the ACC-and maybe even make a little more noise on the national radar.
If they keep defending, keep shooting, and keep trusting their young core, this team could be a real factor down the stretch.