Seminoles cornerback Ja’Bril Rawls ignited the rivalry by admitting a pure hatred for the Miami Hurricanes, setting the stage for a high-stakes October clash.
MIAMI, Fla. – Although the Florida Gators aren’t on the 2026 schedule, the Miami Hurricanes still have an in-state battle lined up. The program will face the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 17. Fans are encouraged to wear orange, including a rally towel giveaway.
There’s arguably no better matchup in college football than in-state rivalries. It delivers a greater sense of intensity, especially among the fan bases. The Seminoles and Hurricanes have gone head-to-head since 1951 and another chapter will soon be added to the history books.
Although college football has changed with NIL and the transfer portal, rivalries are engraved.
In Wednesday’s ACC Kickoff Media Day, Seminoles cornerback Ja’Bril Rawls was asked which game he has scheduled. Before the question was finished, the redshirt junior answered “Miami.”
“I just hate them,” he added.
Last season, Rawls started in all seven games played, including the Hurricanes matchup. He logged 40 total tackles, 22 solos and 18 assists, two tackles for loss, and one interception for the year. A shoulder injury against Clemson shut him down early.
Following an underwhelming 5-7 season, Rawls decided to enter the transfer portal. He would later return to the Tallahassee program. However, the Seminoles don’t have nearly the same expectations as the Hurricanes ahead of the 2026 season.
One program is eyeing a National Championship; meanwhile, the other is on the brink of firing its head coach.
The Hurricanes will surely be targeted, especially by ACC opponents, in hopes of making an example of them. Any loss would apply pressure on the Selection Committee. However, the Hurricanes have the reigning ACC Champion quarterback.
Rawl is winless (0-2) when playing against the Coral Gables program.
The Hurricanes are projected to steamroll through the ACC and win the conference title. It would provide an automatic bid to the College Football Playoffs – potentially a first-round bye. The Hurricanes won’t be sneaking against highly favored opponents like last year.
Regardless of the outside noise, Mario Cristobal isn’t too worried about it and is focusing on the “1-0” mentality. He’s well aware of the standard, having won two National Championships (1989 and 1991) as an offensive tackle for the program.
The Hurricanes arguably have the most complete roster compared to the rest of the ACC competition. Although the Seminoles could provide a feisty battle on the field, especially from Rawl, it shouldn’t affect the trajectory of the Coral Gables program.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
