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How can India qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup after North Korea withdrew from Asian Cup?  India was handed a major boost for its FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2026 qualification hopes after the Democratic Republic of Korea withdrew from the U-17 AFC Asian Cup last week.Korea DPR, also known as North Korea, was drawn with India, Australia and Uzbekistan in the U-17 Asian Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia between May 5 and 22. Nine teams from the Asian Cup will play in the World Cup, including host Qatar.However, a late withdrawal from Korea meant only three teams will compete from the group.How is that a boost for India’s World Cup hopes?The top two teams from each group will qualify for the U-17 World Cup. As a result, India will now need to finish in the top two from a pool of three teams to qualify for the World Cup.India has two matches in the group stages:
                                                        India vs Australia                    
                                                        India vs Uzbekistan                    How can India qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup?Scenario 1: India wins one match and draws/wins the other        (4 points or more) — With at least four points, India will qualify.Scenario 2: India wins one match and loses another        (3 points) — If the team India beat also loses its other match, India will qualify.But if every team wins one match each, the teams will end up with three points each. Then the following criteria will be considered.
                                                        Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams;                    
                                                        Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams.                    
                                                        Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;                    
                                                        If more than two teams were tied, and after applying all head-to-head criteria above, a subset of teams were still tied, all head-to-head criteria above were reapplied exclusively to this subset of teams;                    
                                                        Goal difference in all group matches;                    
                                                        Goals scored in all group matches;                    
                                                        Penalty shoot-out if only two teams were tied and they met in the last round of the group.                    
                                                        Disciplinary points (yellow card = 1 point, red card as a result of two yellow cards = 3 points, direct red card = 3 points, yellow card followed by direct red card = 4 points);                    
                                                        Drawing of lots.                    Scenario 3: India draws both matches        (2 points) — India will qualify if the third group–stage match ends with anything but a draw.If Uzbekistan vs Australia ends in a draw, then all three teams end up with the same points. Then the following criteria will be considered.
                                                        Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams;                    
                                                        Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams.                    
                                                        Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;                    
                                                        If more than two teams were tied, and after applying all head-to-head criteria above, a subset of teams were still tied, all head-to-head criteria above were reapplied exclusively to this subset of teams;                    
                                                        Goal difference in all group matches;                    
                                                        Goals scored in all group matches;                    
                                                        Penalty shoot-out if only two teams were tied and they met in the last round of the group.                    
                                                        Disciplinary points (yellow card = 1 point, red card as a result of two yellow cards = 3 points, direct red card = 3 points, yellow card followed by direct red card = 4 points);                    
                                                        Drawing of lots.                    Scenario 4: India draws one match and loses the other        (1 point) — The other match will have to be a draw, India will need to lose by a narrow margin and must score in its draw. Only then will India stand a chance to qualify.Has India played in the FIFA U-17 World Cup before?India has played in the FIFA U-17 World Cup only once in 2017, when it qualified by default as the host. It is yet to qualify for the World Cup on merit.Published on Apr 28, 2026  #India #qualify #FIFA #U17 #World #Cup #North #Korea #withdrew #Asian #Cup

How can India qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup after North Korea withdrew from Asian Cup?

India was handed a major boost for its FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2026 qualification hopes after the Democratic Republic of Korea withdrew from the U-17 AFC Asian Cup last week.

Korea DPR, also known as North Korea, was drawn with India, Australia and Uzbekistan in the U-17 Asian Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia between May 5 and 22. Nine teams from the Asian Cup will play in the World Cup, including host Qatar.

However, a late withdrawal from Korea meant only three teams will compete from the group.

How is that a boost for India’s World Cup hopes?

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the U-17 World Cup. As a result, India will now need to finish in the top two from a pool of three teams to qualify for the World Cup.

India has two matches in the group stages:

  • India vs Australia
  • India vs Uzbekistan

How can India qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup?

Scenario 1: India wins one match and draws/wins the other (4 points or more) — With at least four points, India will qualify.

Scenario 2: India wins one match and loses another (3 points) — If the team India beat also loses its other match, India will qualify.

But if every team wins one match each, the teams will end up with three points each. Then the following criteria will be considered.

  • Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
  • Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams.
  • Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
  • If more than two teams were tied, and after applying all head-to-head criteria above, a subset of teams were still tied, all head-to-head criteria above were reapplied exclusively to this subset of teams;
  • Goal difference in all group matches;
  • Goals scored in all group matches;
  • Penalty shoot-out if only two teams were tied and they met in the last round of the group.
  • Disciplinary points (yellow card = 1 point, red card as a result of two yellow cards = 3 points, direct red card = 3 points, yellow card followed by direct red card = 4 points);
  • Drawing of lots.

Scenario 3: India draws both matches (2 points) — India will qualify if the third group–stage match ends with anything but a draw.

If Uzbekistan vs Australia ends in a draw, then all three teams end up with the same points. Then the following criteria will be considered.

  • Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
  • Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams.
  • Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
  • If more than two teams were tied, and after applying all head-to-head criteria above, a subset of teams were still tied, all head-to-head criteria above were reapplied exclusively to this subset of teams;
  • Goal difference in all group matches;
  • Goals scored in all group matches;
  • Penalty shoot-out if only two teams were tied and they met in the last round of the group.
  • Disciplinary points (yellow card = 1 point, red card as a result of two yellow cards = 3 points, direct red card = 3 points, yellow card followed by direct red card = 4 points);
  • Drawing of lots.

Scenario 4: India draws one match and loses the other (1 point) — The other match will have to be a draw, India will need to lose by a narrow margin and must score in its draw. Only then will India stand a chance to qualify.

Has India played in the FIFA U-17 World Cup before?

India has played in the FIFA U-17 World Cup only once in 2017, when it qualified by default as the host. It is yet to qualify for the World Cup on merit.

Published on Apr 28, 2026

#India #qualify #FIFA #U17 #World #Cup #North #Korea #withdrew #Asian #Cup

India was handed a major boost for its FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2026 qualification hopes after the Democratic Republic of Korea withdrew from the U-17 AFC Asian Cup last week.

Korea DPR, also known as North Korea, was drawn with India, Australia and Uzbekistan in the U-17 Asian Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia between May 5 and 22. Nine teams from the Asian Cup will play in the World Cup, including host Qatar.

However, a late withdrawal from Korea meant only three teams will compete from the group.

How is that a boost for India’s World Cup hopes?

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the U-17 World Cup. As a result, India will now need to finish in the top two from a pool of three teams to qualify for the World Cup.

India has two matches in the group stages:

  • India vs Australia
  • India vs Uzbekistan

How can India qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup?

Scenario 1: India wins one match and draws/wins the other (4 points or more) — With at least four points, India will qualify.

Scenario 2: India wins one match and loses another (3 points) — If the team India beat also loses its other match, India will qualify.

But if every team wins one match each, the teams will end up with three points each. Then the following criteria will be considered.

  • Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
  • Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams.
  • Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
  • If more than two teams were tied, and after applying all head-to-head criteria above, a subset of teams were still tied, all head-to-head criteria above were reapplied exclusively to this subset of teams;
  • Goal difference in all group matches;
  • Goals scored in all group matches;
  • Penalty shoot-out if only two teams were tied and they met in the last round of the group.
  • Disciplinary points (yellow card = 1 point, red card as a result of two yellow cards = 3 points, direct red card = 3 points, yellow card followed by direct red card = 4 points);
  • Drawing of lots.

Scenario 3: India draws both matches (2 points) — India will qualify if the third group–stage match ends with anything but a draw.

If Uzbekistan vs Australia ends in a draw, then all three teams end up with the same points. Then the following criteria will be considered.

  • Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
  • Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams.
  • Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
  • If more than two teams were tied, and after applying all head-to-head criteria above, a subset of teams were still tied, all head-to-head criteria above were reapplied exclusively to this subset of teams;
  • Goal difference in all group matches;
  • Goals scored in all group matches;
  • Penalty shoot-out if only two teams were tied and they met in the last round of the group.
  • Disciplinary points (yellow card = 1 point, red card as a result of two yellow cards = 3 points, direct red card = 3 points, yellow card followed by direct red card = 4 points);
  • Drawing of lots.

Scenario 4: India draws one match and loses the other (1 point) — The other match will have to be a draw, India will need to lose by a narrow margin and must score in its draw. Only then will India stand a chance to qualify.

Has India played in the FIFA U-17 World Cup before?

India has played in the FIFA U-17 World Cup only once in 2017, when it qualified by default as the host. It is yet to qualify for the World Cup on merit.

Published on Apr 28, 2026

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#India #qualify #FIFA #U17 #World #Cup #North #Korea #withdrew #Asian #Cup

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Deadspin | Guardians to call-up Travis Bazzana, 2024 No. 1 overall pick <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28583282.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28583282.jpg" alt="Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Columbus Clippers’s Travis Bazzana holds the ball during practice at Huntington Park on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Cleveland Guardians are expected to call up second baseman Travis Bazzana, the top overall selection in the 2024 draft, on Tuesday for the second game of a home series against the Tampa Bay Rays.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>According to multiple media reports, rookie Juan Brito, who had started five of the last seven games at second base, will be optioned to Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Bazzana, a 23-year old native of Sydney, Australia, has appeared in 24 games for Columbus, batting .287 with two homers and 10 RBIs. He has 15 extra-base hits and has drawn 21 walks, and he possesses a .511 slugging percentage and a .933 OPS.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>The Oregon State product (2022-24) rose quickly through the minor league ranks in 2025 but sustained oblique injuries in the summer and only got into 26 games in Columbus.</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>Bazzana is the lone No. 1 overall draft selection in Cleveland’s franchise history. The Guardians had a 2% chance of landing the top pick but won the draft lottery in December 2023.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Brito, who is hitting .176 with no homers and three RBIs in 51 at-bats, didn’t play in the Guardians’ 3-2 loss to the Rays on Monday. The 24-year old also has committed four errors.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Guardians #callup #Travis #Bazzana #pick

োস্টন স্টেডিয়ামে চলমান ২০২৬ ফিফা ফুটবল বিশ্বকাপের নকআউট পর্বে জার্মানি ও প্যারাগুয়ের মধ্যকার ম্যাচটি এখন চরম উত্তেজনাকর মুহূর্তে রূপ নিয়েছে। প্রথমার্ধের ৪২ মিনিটে হুলিও এনসিসোর গোলে প্যারাগুয়ে এগিয়ে গিয়ে চমক দেখালেও, দ্বিতীয়ার্ধের শুরুতেই ৫৪ মিনিটে দারুণ এক হেডার থেকে গোল করে জার্মানিকে ১-১ সমতায় ফেরান কাই হাভার্টজ।

সমতা ফেরার পর জুলিয়ান নাগেলসম্যান আক্রমণ আরও জোরদার করতে ৬২ মিনিটে ডেনিজ উন্দাভের পরিবর্তে মাঠ নামিয়েছেন তারকা মিডফিল্ডার জামাল মুসিয়ালাকে। অন্যদিকে প্যারাগুয়ে তাদের গোলদাতা এনসিসোকে তুলে নিয়ে মাউরিসিওকে মাঠে নামিয়েছে। দুই দলেরই শেষ ১৬-তে যাওয়ার লড়াইয়ে ম্যাচটি এখন উন্মুক্ত। ম্যাচটি সরাসরি দেখা যাচ্ছে ZEE5 অ্যাপ ও ওয়েবসাইটে।

#জরমন #বনম #পযরগয #লইভ #সকর #কমবযক #জরমনর #হভরটজর #দরদনত #গল #সমতয় #ফরল #ডই #মনশফট">জার্মানি বনাম প্যারাগুয়ে লাইভ স্কোর: কামব্যাক জার্মানির! হাভার্টজের দুর্দান্ত গোলে সমতায় ফিরল ডাই মানশাফট  Kai Havertz celebrates scoring for Germany during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match against Paraguay. 
                                                                          | Photo Credit:  
                                      Getty Images via AFP
                                                                      
                        Kai Havertz celebrates scoring for Germany during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match against Paraguay.
                                                  | Photo Credit:  
                          Getty Images via AFP
                                              োস্টন স্টেডিয়ামে চলমান ২০২৬ ফিফা ফুটবল বিশ্বকাপের নকআউট পর্বে জার্মানি ও প্যারাগুয়ের মধ্যকার ম্যাচটি এখন চরম উত্তেজনাকর মুহূর্তে রূপ নিয়েছে। প্রথমার্ধের ৪২ মিনিটে হুলিও এনসিসোর গোলে প্যারাগুয়ে এগিয়ে গিয়ে চমক দেখালেও, দ্বিতীয়ার্ধের শুরুতেই ৫৪ মিনিটে দারুণ এক হেডার থেকে গোল করে জার্মানিকে ১-১ সমতায় ফেরান কাই হাভার্টজ।সমতা ফেরার পর জুলিয়ান নাগেলসম্যান আক্রমণ আরও জোরদার করতে ৬২ মিনিটে ডেনিজ উন্দাভের পরিবর্তে মাঠ নামিয়েছেন তারকা মিডফিল্ডার জামাল মুসিয়ালাকে। অন্যদিকে প্যারাগুয়ে তাদের গোলদাতা এনসিসোকে তুলে নিয়ে মাউরিসিওকে মাঠে নামিয়েছে। দুই দলেরই শেষ ১৬-তে যাওয়ার লড়াইয়ে ম্যাচটি এখন উন্মুক্ত। ম্যাচটি সরাসরি দেখা যাচ্ছে ZEE5 অ্যাপ ও ওয়েবসাইটে।  #জরমন #বনম #পযরগয #লইভ #সকর #কমবযক #জরমনর #হভরটজর #দরদনত #গল #সমতয় #ফরল #ডই #মনশফট

Miami football isn’t back yet, but it’s close

Plenty of discussion last winter was reserved for dissecting if the Miami Hurricanes were, in fact, back. For as the much of The U being back has been a topic, predating the 2025 Hurricanes’ run to the National Championship Game, what being back actually means can have vastly different definitions.

Surely, had Miami knocked off an unbeaten Indiana — and the Hurricanes came a Jamari Sharpe interception away from doing just that — it would have constituted The U being back. Right?

Well…

Miami’s run to the finale of last season’s College Football Playoff was remarkable; so, too, was it taking Indiana to the wire in a 27-21 classic, with the Hurricanes playing the Hoosiers closer than most of the national champions’ competition in the 2025 campaign.

That run was also unprecedented in the history of college football. Of course, there have been only two instances in which a team like Miami, which went 10-2 in the regular season and missed its own conference championship game, could win a national championship in such fashion.

The 2025 Hurricanes capitalized on the opportunities afforded them by a much different landscape than that which existed during the program’s roughly 20-year heyday, and that’s commendable. But it’s not comparable to that heyday, unofficially spanning from 1983 when the late legend Howard Schnellenberger coached The U to its first championship and ending on Ohio State’s improbable win in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.

Incredibly, as we head into the silver anniversary of Miami’s last national championship, it’s been almost as long since a Hurricanes team won a conference title. That came in 2003, the program’s final season in the Big East, when The U shared the crown with West Virginia (albeit having survived a 22-20 struggle with the Mountaineers in the head-to-head matchup).

For context, Miami’s conference championship drought is going on five years longer than the span between its first national championship and last.

As a program-first ACC title continued to elude Miami, with losses to Louisville and SMU instead landing Virginia and Duke in Charlotte, the Hurricanes’ 2025 postseason run isn’t in the same category as the 2001 title won in dominant fashion by arguably the most talented collegiate roster ever assembled.

It’s not the 1987 or 1991 crowns when Miami ran the table, nor is it 1983 and 1989 when the Hurricanes rallied from regular-season losses to in-state rivals to finish on top. But 2025 could be the foundation on which Miami is back.

Although none of the 2026 Hurricanes when Miami was Miami, the mystique never faded. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr., Offensive MVP of last year’s Cotton Bowl, offered commentary on Adam Breneman’s “Next Up” podcast to this end:

“’Ive seen how great Miami was, seen the great players that they’ve had, and I could help Miami at least a little closer to that, and I’ve got one more year to do it,” Fletcher said. “I would love to do that.”

Fletcher and wide receiver Malachi Toney, both products of South Florida (Fort Lauderdale and Miami’s Liberty City), provide the 2026 Hurricanes with one of the nation’s most potent skill-position combos. And while Miami has no ACC championship experience, its quarterback does.

Adding ACC Championship Game MVP and the conference’s passing yards leader a season ago, Darian Mensah, sets up the Hurricane offense nicely. A key transfer likewise provides the pillar for Miami’s 2026 title outlook on defense, with Damon Wilson II coming to Coral Gables off of a nine-sack season at Missouri.

There’s plenty to like about Miami’s chances of returning to past glory in 2026 — and doing so in a fashion that unambiguously declares the Hurricanes as being back by any definition.

#Miami #Football #Poised #Return #College #Footballs #Elite #Deadspin.com">Why Miami Football Is Poised to Return to College Football’s Elite | Deadspin.com   Miami football isn’t back yet, but it’s closePlenty of discussion last winter was reserved for dissecting if the Miami Hurricanes were, in fact, back. For as the much of The U being back has been a topic, predating the 2025 Hurricanes’ run to the National Championship Game, what being back actually means can have vastly different definitions.Surely, had Miami knocked off an unbeaten Indiana — and the Hurricanes came a Jamari Sharpe interception away from doing just that — it would have constituted The U being back. Right?Well…Miami’s run to the finale of last season’s College Football Playoff was remarkable; so, too, was it taking Indiana to the wire in a 27-21 classic, with the Hurricanes playing the Hoosiers closer than most of the national champions’ competition in the 2025 campaign.That run was also unprecedented in the history of college football. Of course, there have been only two instances in which a team like Miami, which went 10-2 in the regular season and missed its own conference championship game, could win a national championship in such fashion.The 2025 Hurricanes capitalized on the opportunities afforded them by a much different landscape than that which existed during the program’s roughly 20-year heyday, and that’s commendable. But it’s not comparable to that heyday, unofficially spanning from 1983 when the late legend Howard Schnellenberger coached The U to its first championship and ending on Ohio State’s improbable win in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.Incredibly, as we head into the silver anniversary of Miami’s last national championship, it’s been almost as long since a Hurricanes team won a conference title. That came in 2003, the program’s final season in the Big East, when The U shared the crown with West Virginia (albeit having survived a 22-20 struggle with the Mountaineers in the head-to-head matchup).For context, Miami’s conference championship drought is going on five years longer than the span between its first national championship and last.As a program-first ACC title continued to elude Miami, with losses to Louisville and SMU instead landing Virginia and Duke in Charlotte, the Hurricanes’ 2025 postseason run isn’t in the same category as the 2001 title won in dominant fashion by arguably the most talented collegiate roster ever assembled.It’s not the 1987 or 1991 crowns when Miami ran the table, nor is it 1983 and 1989 when the Hurricanes rallied from regular-season losses to in-state rivals to finish on top. But 2025 could be the foundation on which Miami is back.Although none of the 2026 Hurricanes when Miami was Miami, the mystique never faded. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr., Offensive MVP of last year’s Cotton Bowl, offered commentary on Adam Breneman’s “Next Up” podcast to this end:“’Ive seen how great Miami was, seen the great players that they’ve had, and I could help Miami at least a little closer to that, and I’ve got one more year to do it,” Fletcher said. “I would love to do that.”Fletcher and wide receiver Malachi Toney, both products of South Florida (Fort Lauderdale and Miami’s Liberty City), provide the 2026 Hurricanes with one of the nation’s most potent skill-position combos. And while Miami has no ACC championship experience, its quarterback does.Adding ACC Championship Game MVP and the conference’s passing yards leader a season ago, Darian Mensah, sets up the Hurricane offense nicely. A key transfer likewise provides the pillar for Miami’s 2026 title outlook on defense, with Damon Wilson II coming to Coral Gables off of a nine-sack season at Missouri.There’s plenty to like about Miami’s chances of returning to past glory in 2026 — and doing so in a fashion that unambiguously declares the Hurricanes as being back by any definition.   #Miami #Football #Poised #Return #College #Footballs #Elite #Deadspin.com

The U being back has been a topic, predating the 2025 Hurricanes’ run to the National Championship Game, what being back actually means can have vastly different definitions.

Surely, had Miami knocked off an unbeaten Indiana — and the Hurricanes came a Jamari Sharpe interception away from doing just that — it would have constituted The U being back. Right?

Well…

Miami’s run to the finale of last season’s College Football Playoff was remarkable; so, too, was it taking Indiana to the wire in a 27-21 classic, with the Hurricanes playing the Hoosiers closer than most of the national champions’ competition in the 2025 campaign.

That run was also unprecedented in the history of college football. Of course, there have been only two instances in which a team like Miami, which went 10-2 in the regular season and missed its own conference championship game, could win a national championship in such fashion.

The 2025 Hurricanes capitalized on the opportunities afforded them by a much different landscape than that which existed during the program’s roughly 20-year heyday, and that’s commendable. But it’s not comparable to that heyday, unofficially spanning from 1983 when the late legend Howard Schnellenberger coached The U to its first championship and ending on Ohio State’s improbable win in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.

Incredibly, as we head into the silver anniversary of Miami’s last national championship, it’s been almost as long since a Hurricanes team won a conference title. That came in 2003, the program’s final season in the Big East, when The U shared the crown with West Virginia (albeit having survived a 22-20 struggle with the Mountaineers in the head-to-head matchup).

For context, Miami’s conference championship drought is going on five years longer than the span between its first national championship and last.

As a program-first ACC title continued to elude Miami, with losses to Louisville and SMU instead landing Virginia and Duke in Charlotte, the Hurricanes’ 2025 postseason run isn’t in the same category as the 2001 title won in dominant fashion by arguably the most talented collegiate roster ever assembled.

It’s not the 1987 or 1991 crowns when Miami ran the table, nor is it 1983 and 1989 when the Hurricanes rallied from regular-season losses to in-state rivals to finish on top. But 2025 could be the foundation on which Miami is back.

Although none of the 2026 Hurricanes when Miami was Miami, the mystique never faded. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr., Offensive MVP of last year’s Cotton Bowl, offered commentary on Adam Breneman’s “Next Up” podcast to this end:

“’Ive seen how great Miami was, seen the great players that they’ve had, and I could help Miami at least a little closer to that, and I’ve got one more year to do it,” Fletcher said. “I would love to do that.”

Fletcher and wide receiver Malachi Toney, both products of South Florida (Fort Lauderdale and Miami’s Liberty City), provide the 2026 Hurricanes with one of the nation’s most potent skill-position combos. And while Miami has no ACC championship experience, its quarterback does.

Adding ACC Championship Game MVP and the conference’s passing yards leader a season ago, Darian Mensah, sets up the Hurricane offense nicely. A key transfer likewise provides the pillar for Miami’s 2026 title outlook on defense, with Damon Wilson II coming to Coral Gables off of a nine-sack season at Missouri.

There’s plenty to like about Miami’s chances of returning to past glory in 2026 — and doing so in a fashion that unambiguously declares the Hurricanes as being back by any definition.

#Miami #Football #Poised #Return #College #Footballs #Elite #Deadspin.com">Why Miami Football Is Poised to Return to College Football’s Elite | Deadspin.com

Miami football isn’t back yet, but it’s close

Plenty of discussion last winter was reserved for dissecting if the Miami Hurricanes were, in fact, back. For as the much of The U being back has been a topic, predating the 2025 Hurricanes’ run to the National Championship Game, what being back actually means can have vastly different definitions.

Surely, had Miami knocked off an unbeaten Indiana — and the Hurricanes came a Jamari Sharpe interception away from doing just that — it would have constituted The U being back. Right?

Well…

Miami’s run to the finale of last season’s College Football Playoff was remarkable; so, too, was it taking Indiana to the wire in a 27-21 classic, with the Hurricanes playing the Hoosiers closer than most of the national champions’ competition in the 2025 campaign.

That run was also unprecedented in the history of college football. Of course, there have been only two instances in which a team like Miami, which went 10-2 in the regular season and missed its own conference championship game, could win a national championship in such fashion.

The 2025 Hurricanes capitalized on the opportunities afforded them by a much different landscape than that which existed during the program’s roughly 20-year heyday, and that’s commendable. But it’s not comparable to that heyday, unofficially spanning from 1983 when the late legend Howard Schnellenberger coached The U to its first championship and ending on Ohio State’s improbable win in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.

Incredibly, as we head into the silver anniversary of Miami’s last national championship, it’s been almost as long since a Hurricanes team won a conference title. That came in 2003, the program’s final season in the Big East, when The U shared the crown with West Virginia (albeit having survived a 22-20 struggle with the Mountaineers in the head-to-head matchup).

For context, Miami’s conference championship drought is going on five years longer than the span between its first national championship and last.

As a program-first ACC title continued to elude Miami, with losses to Louisville and SMU instead landing Virginia and Duke in Charlotte, the Hurricanes’ 2025 postseason run isn’t in the same category as the 2001 title won in dominant fashion by arguably the most talented collegiate roster ever assembled.

It’s not the 1987 or 1991 crowns when Miami ran the table, nor is it 1983 and 1989 when the Hurricanes rallied from regular-season losses to in-state rivals to finish on top. But 2025 could be the foundation on which Miami is back.

Although none of the 2026 Hurricanes when Miami was Miami, the mystique never faded. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr., Offensive MVP of last year’s Cotton Bowl, offered commentary on Adam Breneman’s “Next Up” podcast to this end:

“’Ive seen how great Miami was, seen the great players that they’ve had, and I could help Miami at least a little closer to that, and I’ve got one more year to do it,” Fletcher said. “I would love to do that.”

Fletcher and wide receiver Malachi Toney, both products of South Florida (Fort Lauderdale and Miami’s Liberty City), provide the 2026 Hurricanes with one of the nation’s most potent skill-position combos. And while Miami has no ACC championship experience, its quarterback does.

Adding ACC Championship Game MVP and the conference’s passing yards leader a season ago, Darian Mensah, sets up the Hurricane offense nicely. A key transfer likewise provides the pillar for Miami’s 2026 title outlook on defense, with Damon Wilson II coming to Coral Gables off of a nine-sack season at Missouri.

There’s plenty to like about Miami’s chances of returning to past glory in 2026 — and doing so in a fashion that unambiguously declares the Hurricanes as being back by any definition.

#Miami #Football #Poised #Return #College #Footballs #Elite #Deadspin.com
Celebrities At The Los Angeles Lakers Game
Celebrities At The Los Angeles Lakers Game

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: LeBron James speaks with Stephen Curry following a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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#LeBron #James #Warriors #suddenly #doesnt #sound #crazy">LeBron James to the Warriors suddenly doesn’t sound so crazy  LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: LeBron James speaks with Stephen Curry following a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) Getty Images  #LeBron #James #Warriors #suddenly #doesnt #sound #crazy

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