Miami Hurricanes' Historic Rival Sends Message Ahead of Primetime Showdown

MIAMI, Fla. – Although eight weeks remain before the Miami Hurricanes travel to South Bend, Indiana, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish fanbase wasted no time igniting the rivalry early.

When facing the Rice Owls on Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium, chants of “F*** Miami” erupted from the stands. The Hurricanes weren’t even playing the same day, as the team secured a 77-7 win over Florida A&M on Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium.

The “Catholics Vs. Convicts” rivalry has been alive dating back to the 1950s. Last season, the Hurricanes hosted the Fighting Irish and secured a 27-24 win. The biggest difference in November’s matchup will be the backfield production. The Fighting Irish lost both top running backs, Heisman Trophy finalist Jeremiyah Love and backup Jadarian Price, to the NFL.

Junior Aneyas Williams and sophomore Nolan James Jr. have primarily been relied upon to fill the significant voids.

Quarterback CJ Carr has back-to-back 230-plus passing-yard and multi-touchdown performances in the first two games of the 2026 college football season. Without the elite running back duo, the Fighting Irish are allowing the junior and early Heisman Trophy candidate to carve out plays through the air.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have two offensive standouts in quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney. They’ve connected on 16 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns.

Mensah, Toney, and Carr will headline the 29th all-time matchup between the two programs.

As this season’s matchup will be in South Bend, history is not on the Hurricanes’ side. They are 1-12 at Notre Dame – the only win occurred on Oct. 6, 1984. Given that neither team has the strongest scheduled opponents, this matchup is considered a measuring stick for them as National Championship contenders. A potential loss wouldn’t count against the Hurricanes’ chase for the Atlantic Coast Conference championship.

Labeling the road trip as a hostile environment could be an understatement. It will be Mensah’s biggest test of his collegiate career. The 21-year-old has yet to play against a ranked opponent. Mensah will be under one of the brightest spotlights for the entire season.

Both fan bases will clash on social media until the game is played; then bragging rights will be served to one side.

The Hurricanes will need to prepare for loud crowd noise, as Notre Dame fans will attempt to disrupt the offense’s ability to hear offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson’s play-calling. The game will be televised on NBC and Peacock at 7:30 p.m. E.T.

Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports