Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Nov 8, 2026 7:05 PM
A stagnant first half and the loss of star receiver Malachi Toney proved costly in South Bend (IN), forcing the Miami Hurricanes to navigate a tightened playoff race.
MIAMI, Fla. – Following Saturday night's difficult 31-24 loss to Notre Dame on prime time in South Bend (IN), the Miami Hurricanes are no longer ranked as the nation's best college football team.
After being No. 1 in three consecutive weeks, the Coral Gables program drops to No. 5 in the latest Associated Press' Top 25 poll.
Georgia sits at the very top of college football for the first time this season following a 42-7 win over No. 10 Ole Miss.
The Hurricanes failed to overcome a slow first half, as four of five drives ended scoreless, missing an opportunity for a touchdown at the goal line and then having to settle for a field goal. Quarterback Darian Mensah completed just 24 of 43 passes (55.8 percent) for 276 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. It's the first time this season he's finished below a 60 completion percentage.
An obvious void was left by superstar wide receiver Malachi Toney's absence. He leads the offense in catches (73), targets (85), all-purpose yards (1,157), and touchdowns (13). It was the first time Toney had missed a college football game, as the 19-year-old is looking to miss the rest of the regular season, following Thursday's tightrope surgery for a high ankle sprain injury, according to reports.
The Hurricanes weren't the only ones to face disappointment on Saturday night.
No. 23 Oregon dominated No. 12 Ohio State in a 41-28 outing in Columbus (OH). The Ducks scored five total touchdowns: three on the ground and two in the air. Oregon's running back Dierre Hill Jr. led the offense with 13 carries for 75 yards (106 total) and found the end zone twice.
Buckeyes superstar Jeremiah Smith caught seven passes for 133 yards and scored a touchdown, but it wasn't nearly enough, as the 2025 National Champions are likely on the outside looking in at the College Football Playoffs.
No. 5 Alabama traveled to Death Valley (Louisiana) and dominated the No. 14 Tigers 31-13. It's not necessarily an upset, but head coach Lane Kiffin is 0-6 when facing the Crimson Tide.
Meanwhile, No. 6 Kentucky falls to No. 13 Tennessee and No. 24 Florida losses to Oklahoma (unranked by both the Selection Committee and AP voters).
The Hurricanes can still claim an automatic bid into the College Football Playoffs by winning out the rest of the regular season and claiming the Atlantic Coast Conference title. A favorable remaining schedule makes it more than possible:
- Nov. 14: Duke (12:00 p.m. E.T. kickoff; televised on ABC)
- Nov. 21: Virginia Tech
- Nov. 28: Boston College
The margin of error is thinner with the College Football Playoffs and National Championship hopes at stake.
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