The 2025 college football season is poised to be a defining chapter for the Miami Hurricanes, as they find themselves at the center of two of the most anticipated non-conference matchups of the year. These high-stakes games against Notre Dame and Florida not only rekindle storied rivalries but also serve as critical tests for a Miami program eager to reassert its dominance on the national stage.
The season kicks off with a bang on Sunday, August 31, when Miami hosts Notre Dame at Hard Rock Stadium. This matchup marks the renewal of the “Catholics vs. Convicts” rivalry, a series steeped in history and intensity. The last time these two teams met in Miami, the Hurricanes delivered a resounding 41–8 victory over the then third-ranked Fighting Irish in 2017. Notre Dame leads the all-time series 18–8–1, but Miami’s recent success adds intrigue to this opening-weekend clash. The game is set for a 7:30 p.m. EDT kickoff and will be broadcast nationally on ABC .SI+1One Foot Down+1Saturday BlitzFanSided+2Wikipedia+2SI+2University of Miami Athletics
Just three weeks later, on September 20, Miami faces another formidable opponent as they welcome the Florida Gators to Hard Rock Stadium. This in-state rivalry, which dates back to 1938, sees Miami holding a narrow 30–27 lead in the series . The Hurricanes dominated the Gators 41–17 in their 2024 season opener in Gainesville, but Florida’s late-season resurgence under freshman quarterback DJ Lagway suggests a more competitive contest this time around .WikipediaSI+1SI+1
These two marquee matchups are not only significant for their historical context but also for their potential impact on the College Football Playoff landscape. Both games are featured prominently in preseason rankings of the top non-conference games of 2025, with the Notre Dame game ranked fourth and the Florida game fifth . A strong performance in these early-season contests could catapult Miami into the national title conversation.Houston Chronicle
Central to Miami’s aspirations is the arrival of quarterback Carson Beck, a transfer from Georgia who brings championship experience and leadership to the Hurricanes’ offense. Beck’s familiarity with high-pressure games is expected to be invaluable as Miami navigates its challenging schedule. Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has praised Beck’s composure and playmaking ability, while teammates have noted his command of the huddle and confidence .Saturday Blitz+2College Sports Network+2SI+2
The 2025 schedule is particularly favorable for Miami, with eight home games—the most since 1971—providing ample opportunity to capitalize on home-field advantage . In addition to Notre Dame and Florida, the Hurricanes will host Bethune-Cookman on September 6 and USF on September 13, rounding out a formidable non-conference slate. The ACC schedule includes home games against Louisville, NC State, Stanford, and Syracuse, with road trips to Florida State, Pittsburgh, SMU, and Virginia Tech .miamiherald.comOn3+3State of The U+3miamiherald.com+3
Miami’s defense, which was among the nation’s best in 2024, is expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s success in 2025. With a new defensive coordinator at the helm, the unit aims to build upon its previous achievements and provide a stout challenge to opposing offenses. The combination of a potent offense led by Beck and a tenacious defense positions Miami as a legitimate contender in the ACC and beyond.Saturday BlitzCollege Sports Network+1SI+1
The significance of the Notre Dame and Florida games extends beyond the immediate outcomes. These contests offer Miami the chance to demonstrate its resurgence to a national audience and to signal that the Hurricanes are once again a force to be reckoned with in college football. Victories in these high-profile matchups would not only boost Miami’s playoff credentials but also reinvigorate the program’s storied legacy.SI
As the 2025 season approaches, the excitement surrounding Miami’s potential is palpable. The combination of a favorable schedule, key player acquisitions, and a hunger to return to prominence sets the stage for a compelling campaign. For the Hurricanes, the journey begins with two monumental non-conference games that could define their season and reshape the college football landscape.
