Miami Hurricanes’ College Football Playoff Hopes Hinge on Final Weekend Chaos

The Miami Hurricanes finished their regular season with a dominant 10-2 record. Their 38-7 road victory over Pittsburgh on Saturday was a powerful final statement. The team now faces an anxious wait for the College Football Playoff selection committee’s verdict. Their championship fate is no longer in their own hands.

According to ESPN, the Canes must now rely on specific outcomes in other conference games to secure a playoff berth. Head coach Mario Cristobal immediately staked his team’s claim after the game, declaring Miami a bonafide playoff team. This marks the second consecutive year the program has reached ten wins, a first since joining the ACC.

Convincing Victory Serves as Final Audition

Miami left no doubt in their season finale. The game was effectively over after the first quarter. The defense was stifling, holding Pitt to just 1.4 yards per carry.

They also recorded four sacks and forced a turnover. Quarterback Carson Beck was efficient, throwing for 267 yards and three touchdowns. Star receiver Malachi Toney was spectacular, accounting for two total touchdowns and over 150 all-purpose yards.

Playoff Path Requires Outside Help

Despite their strong finish, Miami’s playoff hopes are precarious. They need losses from both SMU and Duke in their final regular-season games. This would create a multi-team tie in the ACC standings, potentially allowing Miami to advance to the conference championship.

The selection committee has so far undervalued Miami’s head-to-head victory over fellow contender Notre Dame. This adds to the uncertainty surrounding their final ranking. The team’s two losses this season were by a combined nine points to strong opponents.

The Miami Hurricanes have proven they are a college football playoff-caliber team on the field. Their final resume is complete, and the waiting game has begun. All they can do now is hope the chips fall their way on the final weekend of the regular season.

Dropping this nugget your way

What does Miami need to make the College Football Playoff?

Miami needs both SMU and Duke to lose their final games. This scenario would force a multi-team tie in the ACC, potentially opening a path for the Hurricanes to play for the conference title and a playoff spot.

Why isn’t Miami ranked higher by the committee?

The committee has consistently ranked other two-loss teams, like Notre Dame, ahead of Miami. This is despite the Hurricanes owning a head-to-head victory over the Fighting Irish earlier this season.

How did Miami perform in their final game?

They were dominant in a 38-7 win over Pittsburgh. The defense was exceptional, and the offense, led by Carson Beck and Malachi Toney, scored with ease throughout the contest.

What is Miami’s final regular-season record?

The Hurricanes finished the 2025 regular season with a 10-2 record. This is the second year in a row they have achieved double-digit wins, a significant program milestone.

Who was the standout player for Miami against Pitt?

Freshman receiver Malachi Toney was phenomenal. He caught a touchdown pass, threw for another score, and amassed over 150 all-purpose yards in a showcase of his elite talent.