The Miami Hurricanes kicked off their 2025 season with a dramatic 27-24 victory over the visiting No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, courtesy of a clutch 47-yard field goal from kicker Carter Davis with just over a minute remaining. The highly anticipated matchup, played at a sold-out Hard Rock Stadium, saw the No. 10 Hurricanes never trail, holding off a late charge from Notre Dame to secure a significant early-season win.
Miami’s offense was spearheaded by quarterback Carson Beck, a transfer from Georgia, who made a strong debut for the Hurricanes. Beck completed 20 of 31 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing poise and efficiency in his first start for Miami. His performance was a reassuring sign for Hurricanes fans as the team navigifies life after NFL draft pick Cam Ward. Beck’s debut performance also included a remarkable highlight, connecting with LSU transfer wide receiver CJ Daniels for a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch just before halftime, which gave Miami a 14-7 lead. This grab, already being hailed as a potential catch of the year, saw Daniels leap behind his head to secure the ball amidst tight coverage.
Other key offensive contributions came from wide receiver Malachi Toney, who led the Hurricanes with six receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown, and running back CharMar Brown, who powered his way into the end zone for a crucial third-quarter score, extending Miami’s lead to 21-7. Brown also played a key role in the game-winning drive, grinding out tough yards and picking up first downs.
The Hurricanes’ defense also made critical plays that swung momentum. Linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. recorded a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter after a deflected screen pass. This takeaway gave Miami possession deep in Notre Dame territory and helped set up a subsequent field goal. The defense also managed three sacks on the night, with Bain Jr. contributing a sack on the final play to seal the victory.
Notre Dame, despite its status as a national championship contender coming off a strong previous season, found itself playing from behind for much of the game. Freshman quarterback CJ Carr, making his first career start, showed flashes of promise, completing 19 of 30 passes for 221 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also added a rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter, capping a furious comeback that tied the game at 24-24 with 3:21 remaining, after Miami had built a 14-point lead. However, the Irish’s comeback fell just short as their final drive stalled.
The victory marked a significant statement for Miami, breaking an eight-game losing streak against top-10 opponents and representing their first win against a top-10 team in eight years. It also continued a historical trend, as Miami has now won two consecutive games against Notre Dame when both teams were ranked in the top 10. The rivalry between the Hurricanes and the Fighting Irish is one of the most storied in college football, marked by intense matchups and national championship implications throughout the 1980s and beyond.
For Notre Dame, the loss was a disappointing start to the season, particularly given their high expectations. While their offense showed resilience in rallying to tie the game, critical mistakes and an inability to consistently move the ball against Miami’s defense proved costly. Running back Jeremiyah Love, an anticipated star, was held to just 33 yards on 10 carries, highlighting the defensive success of the Hurricanes.
Miami’s win not only provides a crucial early-season boost but also sets a positive tone for coach Mario Cristobal’s fourth season. The performance of new key players like Beck and Daniels suggests Miami has the talent to contend in the ACC and potentially make a run at national relevance in 2025. The team’s ability to perform under pressure in a close, high-stakes game against a top-ranked opponent signals a promising trajectory for the Hurricanes this season, making this win a significant piece of news for the program and its supporters.
