There has been much debate over whether power conference teams should schedule elite non-conference opponents in the current College Football Playoff model. Miami is one team that isn’t shying away from it.
The Hurricanes are set to play last season’s national runners-up, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, to begin the 2025 regular season. They’ll also take on in-state rival Florida before beginning ACC play in October. Despite having two marquee non-conference matchups on the docket before the end of September, it’s business as usual behind the scenes for Miami head coach Mario Cristobal’s squad.
“The regimen itself would not change, would never change, because we make it as challenging as we can, while being smart,” Cristobal told ESPN’s Greg McElroy. “Making sure that we are getting better in all aspects, the intangibles as well. And I think everyone the world knows who we’re playing game one. So it’s not a focal point as we enter the offseason program.”
With the season opener still several weeks away, Miami is keeping the status quo while also showing respect for what’s to come. They know they’re playing Notre Dame, but there’s no use in overthinking it so far out. That’s not to say Miami isn’t keeping a tab on their opponents, however.
“Obviously, as a staff, you’re always breaking down your opponents and you’re very well aware of how prominently and how successful, and how elite some of the teams are that we play this season,” Cristobal continued. “But it’s something that you won’t be hearing in meetings. You won’t be seeing attention gravitated toward (the matchup) by us as a staff. The players know that.
“That’s what you come to Miami for, and that’s what you play college football for, to test yourself against the very best. Come two weeks out, all attention will be on Notre Dame. But between now and then, man, it’s all about Miami getting better, getting tougher, getting in the best shape we could possibly be in. The best individual, best position group, best unit and best overall team we could possibly be.”
Miami has the luxury of hosting both the Notre Dame and Florida matchups. The ‘Canes won’t play a game on the road until Oct. 4’s ACC opener against Florida State.
For the Week 1 matchup between Miami and Notre Dame, kickoff is slated for Aug. 31. The Irish are early 1.5-point betting favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
