Miami, Florida – The first true test arrives in week 5 as the Miami Hurricanes travel to Death Valley for a primetime battle against the Clemson Tigers. Miami trounced Central Michigan, moving up to No. 4 in the AP Top 25 Rankings with an unbeaten 4-0 record. While some believed the road trip to Wake Forest was the first obstacle, the Hurricanes will face a hostile environment and an ACC rival led by Dabo Swinney. Fans will painfully remember the last time these two teams met at Memorial Stadium in South Carolina. Clemson walloped UM 40-10 on November 19, 2022, extending their winning streak to four. The Tigers had dominated the Canes in that span. Miami snapped the streak in 2023, 28-20, in what was Emory William’s legacy game. The two sides are tied 7-7 all-time.
Business trip attire 💪🧳 pic.twitter.com/zFxuYjaffd
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 30, 2026
Clemson got crushed in their opener at LSU, 51-10. Since then, the Tigers have won three straight, beating Georgia Southern, North Carolina, and California. The Cardiac Canes are not only heavily favored, but are getting several players back from injury. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr., defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr., defensive lineman Armondo Blount, and defensive back Damari Brown are expected to play. Even Xavier Lucas may be ready to go. Without further ado, here are the players to watch.
Clemson
Gideon Davidson
GIDEON DAVIDSON BREAKS FREE FOR A 75-YARD TOUCHDOWN ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/UoP6KZrc7F
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) September 26, 2026
Gideon Davidson leads Clemson’s ground game. Davidson was a menace against California, rushing for 159 yards and scoring two touchdowns. The team’s leading rusher has 346 yards on 59 carries, averaging almost six yards per carry, and has scored three touchdowns. He’s hit the century mark two games in a row and plans to do it against Miami, which has been terrific against the run.
Tait Reynolds
Tait's first start ends in a W 📈
Freshman @TaitReynoldsQC completed 20-of-29 passes for 241 total yards and a TD in his first start, helping Clemson rally past North Carolina, 28-20.@ClemsonFB | @ClemsonTigers | #ALLIN | @DrPepper pic.twitter.com/FJIeJ1BcSQ
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) September 19, 2026
The Cade Klubnik era is definitely over. Christopher Vizzina started the season as Clemson’s starting quarterback, but early struggles forced him to surrender the reins to Tait Reynolds. The freshman has thrown for 521 yards, including a touchdown and two interceptions. The O-line is less than ideal given he’s been sacked 10 times. Swinney may go with Vizzina at some point, so we will see how the secondary handles them.
Elliot Washington/Ashton Hampton
Elliot Washington II seals the game for Clemson‼️ pic.twitter.com/IyVDggwD1E
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 19, 2026
This will be a two-for-one. The cornerback duo threatens offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson’s scheme. Elliot Washington is a no-fly zone, collecting three pass deflections and three interceptions. In fact, two were against Cal. For his efforts, Washington earned ACC Defensive Back of the Week. Ashton Hampton, meanwhile, has seven deflections and one interception. A legit asset for the defense, the ball hawk recorded three breakups on Cal. Together they represent the latest challenge for Darian Mensah.
Miami
Mark Fletcher Jr.
Mark Fletcher Jr. scores his first touchdown of the 2026 season on a 46-yard run 🔥 pic.twitter.com/U7iWQjMbDo
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) September 11, 2026
UM’s workhorse returns after missing Week 4 due to injury. Mark Fletcher Jr. has 230 yards on 36 carries for the season, complemented by three TDs. Fletcher will share snaps with Javian Mallory, Jordan Lyle, Girard Pringle Jr., and possibly Chris Wheatley-Humphrey, but that doesn’t matter. He’ll be unleashed to wear down the Tigers, although I will be observing the O-line. This will be their first test all season.
Damari Brown
Damari Brown PBU pic.twitter.com/H6UoA0CUBk
— Grant Reacts (@GrantReacts1) November 22, 2025
Absent against Central Michigan for precautionary reasons, Damari Brown will reinforce a depleted secondary. Brown’s presence offers defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman an experienced, high-quality starter. As a reliable cornerback, he will help the Hurricanes maintain their physical defensive standard. With his size, strength, and fluid footwork, Brown has the instincts to help neutralize Clemson’s inconsistent offense.
Daylyn Upshaw
DAYLYN UPSHAW FIRST TD OF THE SEASON pic.twitter.com/lAsNNhXkKU
— Grant Reacts (@GrantReacts1) September 5, 2026
The Tigers’ defensive backs might cause Mensah to look beyond Malachi Toney and even Cooper Barkate. That’s where others like Daylyn Upshaw come in. The sophomore has recorded 10 receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns, making him a potential key to the victory. Upshaw is arguably coming off his best game of the season, after making two explosive catches for 31 yards and a touchdown versus Central Michigan. He’ll likely make a new career high in catches (5).
Prediction
I think Wake Forest served as a good way to dispel any complacency the team might’ve had. UM is heavily favored, but they need to avoid playing down to their opponent and letting the raucous crowd play a role in the contest. Truthfully, their defense concerns me the most. However, given Mensah’s play so far in the year, the Hurricanes will make the necessary adjustments if they hit a wall. Miami wins 31-17.
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