A New Era for Miami Football

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Hurricanes are set for a major transformation next season. There will be a new starting quarterback, new starters on the offensive and defensive lines, and a new kicker. Along with these changes, there will likely be several other adjustments to the depth chart before September arrives.

Despite these changes, two key players, Mark Fletcher Jr. and Malachi Toney, have expressed their commitment to return. No matter who takes the quarterback position in the fall, these two will be the leaders of the Miami offense for 2026. They played a crucial role in the Hurricanes’ performance during their 27-21 loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.

Fletcher and Toney combined to score three touchdowns — two on the ground by Fletcher and one on a catch-and-run by Toney — in what was a hard-fought game. “It’s not the result we wanted,” said Miami coach Mario Cristobal. “Credit to Indiana. They’re a great football team. … It’s a tough one. A tough one to have to eat, but we will.”

Fletcher finished the season with 1,192 yards rushing, including 507 in the four playoff games, which is the most any player has recorded in CFP contests. Toney had 109 catches, the highest in the country. These achievements were among the bright spots in a 13-3 season for Miami, a year where the Hurricanes defied expectations and ultimately made it to the title game.

“I can’t understate what these guys have done,” Cristobal said.

Fletcher and Toney had significant support from other standout players this season. Carson Beck was outstanding in his only season as Miami’s quarterback, while Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor were among the best defensive linemen in the country. Offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa is widely considered a first-round draft pick.

“A lot of moments are going to be cherished,” Bain said.

However, all of these players will be gone next fall. Fletcher and Toney will not just be stars next season; they will also need to step up as leaders.

Both players are from South Florida and attended the same high school, American Heritage. Their stories have resonated with Hurricane fans and even those outside the fanbase. Fletcher lost his father last season, and his mother has become something of a celebrity for attending every game, no matter the location. Toney, still in high school, reclassified to join Miami early. Both came to Miami with the goal of winning a national championship.

They came close, but fell short.

Miami was down 10-0 at halftime and struggled offensively until Fletcher sparked the team with a 57-yard touchdown run that brought the Hurricanes within three points early in the third quarter. This became a pattern for Miami, although it didn’t lead to victory. The Hurricanes would score, but only manage to cut the lead by a field goal each time.

Fletcher’s first touchdown of the night reduced Indiana’s lead to 10-7. He scored again on the first play of the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to 17-14. Toney added a touchdown with 6:37 left, bringing the score to 24-21.

“We had an opportunity, all the way to the end,” Cristobal said.

Miami had one more chance with 1:42 left, down 27-21. They were driving, but Indiana intercepted Beck’s final pass as a Hurricane with 44 seconds remaining. That interception ended Miami’s hopes for a national title.

Fletcher stayed in the end zone long after the final horn. Even in that moment, he had one more task: waiting to see his family.

“They were the first ones I wanted to hug,” Fletcher said.