Miami Enters ACC Kickoff as Conference Favorites With CFP Hopes in Focus

Miami arrives at ACC Football Kickoff as the preseason favorite to win the conference, with national media attention and internal expectations pointing toward a return trip to the College Football Playoff. The Hurricanes are scheduled to headline the annual gathering, underscoring their standing as the ACC's marquee program entering the 2026 season.

Preseason polls and all-conference projections released ahead of the event identify Miami as the team to beat in the ACC. Key questions surrounding the Hurricanes center on whether quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney can sustain the production needed to carry the program back to the playoff. SMU, Louisville, and Clemson are viewed as the primary challengers capable of pushing Miami throughout the conference slate.

Weapons and Matchups Draw Early Attention

On the offensive side, wide receiver Josh Moore has drawn significant preseason attention. Listed at No. 17 in a July player performance index, Moore brings NFL-caliber size to Miami's receiving corps and is considered a candidate for a breakout campaign. His immediate competition centers on securing the Hurricanes' third receiver role, a position that could prove important in Miami's overall offensive scheme.

One early-season test for Miami will come against Pittsburgh. A preview of that matchup outlines the Panthers' strengths and weaknesses, framing the home game as a meaningful ACC proving ground for the Hurricanes. How Miami handles Pitt's personnel advantages could offer an early signal of how the program will manage conference competition across a full season.

Miami's appearance at ACC Kickoff gives the program a platform to set the tone publicly before training camp opens. With preseason hardware and conference-favorite billing already in hand, the Hurricanes enter the cycle with expectations that match the program's recent trajectory and the ambitions of a roster built for a deep postseason run.