The Florida Gators (1-2, 0-1 SEC) are set to take on in-state rival No.4 Miami in week four of the 2025 college football season. Florida is searching for their first road win at Miami since 1985 and their first win over an AP top five opponent since 2020 (Georgia).
Miami enters the matchup with a 3-0 recording including wins over Notre Dame and USF. You’d be hard pressed to find a team around the country that’s looked better than the Hurricanes through three weeks.
The Canes had to rebuild offensively after losing Cam Ward, a Heisman finalist quarterback and eventual top pick in the NFL Draft. Miami also had to replace their top four pass catchers and starting running back in the offseason.
Head coach Mario Cristobal dipped into the portal for one of the more experienced quarterbacks in the transfer portal, Georgia’s Carson Beck. While Beck and the offensive skill players are talented, Miami’s offense is built on the big men up front.
Miami has a great mix of experience and talent along the offensive line. The Canes have two former five stars and the top JUCO offensive tackle from the 2024 class on their line. Miami returned both their tackles from last season including Francis Mauigoa, one of top projected 2026 NFL Draft picks. The Canes have placed a huge emphasis on recruiting elite offensive lineman under Cristobal and that shows up on tape. Miami also has one of the best offensive line coaches in the country in Alex Mirabal.
The Canes’ offensive line has allowed just two sacks and 13 pressures through three games this season while paving the way for a rushing attack that averages 5.1 yards per carry. Miami has also recorded nine rushing touchdowns this season. The only negative so far is the eight penalties called on the offensive line alone through three games. For comparison, Florida’s offensive line has been flagged 11 times. Miami could easily have the best offensive line in the country when it’s all said and done, which makes them a scary offense with talent all around. They may not have the star power from last season on offense, but they are a steady group that can wear you out for four quarters.
Miami’s defensive line is a similar story. The Hurricanes are led by Rueben Bain Jr., a gifted 6’3, 275-pound edge rusher that currently ranks as the top edge defender in the country, according to Pro Football Focus. Bain Jr. has already tallied 15 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble through games. Bain Jr. is likely a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and someone Florida has to account for on every play given his strength and explosiveness.
Miami has recorded 58 pressures through three games, more than double what Florida has accumulated in the same number of games (27). They’ve sacked opposing quarterbacks six times to Florida’s two.
The Canes are allowing just 75 rushing yards per game which is an incredible feat given they’ve played two run-heavy teams in Notre Dame and USF. Miami allows an average of 2.56 yards per carry, the 15th best in the country.
Miami’s pass defense is likely the area Florida will want to try and exploit. The Canes allow over 200 passing yards per game, which is still good enough for 65th in the country. A lot of those yards were a result of the game script as Miami has had a commanding lead in every game, forcing teams to throw the ball.
From a personnel standpoint, I’m not sure there’s a better team in the trenches than Miami.
FIVE CANES TO WATCH
QB Carson Beck
Former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck is someone Gator fans are very familiar with having seen him play Florida twice in his career already. Beck is off to a good start in 2025, completing nearly 80% of his passes for 812 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions. Beck was prone to making the occasional bad decision last season, but we’re seeing those less frequently now as he’s settled in behind a much better Miami offensive line. Beck has exceled this season in taking what the defense gives him. He’s an accurate thrower at all three levels with NFL arm talent.
Edge Rueben Bain
As previously mentioned, Rueben Bain Jr. is one of the best defenders in all of college football. He wasn’t healthy last season which resulted in a sophomore slump, but he’s back and looks better than ever before.
RB Mark Flecther Jr.
Miami is going to lean on junior running back Mark Flecther Jr., who’s already ran the ball 42 times for 272 yards and four touchdowns on 6.5 yards per carry. The 6’2, 225-pound back is averaging 4.19 yards after contact and has logged nine runs over 10 yards this season.
WR Malachi Toney
Freshman receiver Malachi Toney has emerged as one of Beck’s top options in 2025. Toney leads Miami in receptions (18) and yards (228). The 5’11, 188 pound receiver is quick out of the slot position and has make you miss ability, already combining for 120 yards after the catch this season. Look for Miami to try to get the ball in Toney’s hands with a lot of quick passes in space.
Edge Akheem Mesidor
Sixth year edge rusher Akheem Mesidor is poised to have his best collegiate season in 2025 after a hot start. Mesidor has 10 pressures, two sacks, and two QB hits through three games, giving Miami another option off the edge.