Miami, Florida –It’s rivalry week as the No. 3 Miami Hurricanes welcome the struggling Florida State Seminoles in a long-awaited matchup between ACC foes. UM traveled to Death Valley and won handily, crushing the Clemson Tigers 41-13 to reach 5-0 before their bye week. Meanwhile, Florida State is 3-3 (1-2, ACC), coming off a 44-20 loss to Louisville. Miami has dealt with several injuries through much of the season but is getting good news on that front. Defensive end Marquise Lightfoot, linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin Jr., and cornerbacks Damari Brown and Xavier Lucas are cleared to play.
Canes. Noles. Let’s get to work. pic.twitter.com/Gsq45c1omc
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) October 17, 2026
The Seminoles remain under Mike Norvell’s direction, though it is anyone’s guess how much longer he will stay. Fans have clearly soured on his tenure, but due to the substantial buyout, they will have to endure until the school’s top brass deem it time to part ways. The Hurricanes are 21-point favorites in what many expect to be a one-sided contest. UM is 37-33 all time versus Florida State and has won the last two meetings.
Florida State
Ashton Daniels
ASHTON DANIELS GOES 81 YARDS 🤯
đź“ş ESPN2 x @FSUFootball pic.twitter.com/Yj0zcEUjcO
— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) October 3, 2026
FSU has allowed 25.3 points per game. For comparison, Miami has allowed 9.8 points per game. That is the monumental challenge Ashton Daniels faces. The fifth-year senior has thrown for 1,320 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. That last part is music to the ears of a Hurricanes’ defense that’s hungry for turnovers. The Auburn transfer, who also spent three years at Stanford, threw for 209 yards, two TDs, and an interception in addition to a rushing touchdown against the Cardinals.
Ousmane Kromah
FSU pulls even at 17-17 after Ousmane Kromah punches in a rushing TD 🔥pic.twitter.com/pJdr3n5b11
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 8, 2026
After hitting the century mark in the first two games of the season, Ousmane Kromah has been unable to get back. Kromah has 565 rushing yards on 100 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per carry along with five touchdowns. He hasn’t touched the end zone in the last two games, and his scoring drought could continue considering the Canes have been excellent against the run, surrendering only 42.6 yards per game.
Rylan Kennedy
Tonight’s episode of “get a sack every week” is FSU ED Rylan Kennedy
5 sacks in 5 games
Princewill Umanmielen (8) & Marquise Lightfoot (5), you’re up next tomorrow pic.twitter.com/0M8AjbC6rv
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) October 10, 2026
One of the guys who sticks out from the defense is Rylan Kennedy. The senior leads the team with five sacks, recording at least one in almost every game save for the battle with Alabama earlier in the season. Brimming with raw athleticism, Kennedy is an explosive edge rusher who fires off the line of scrimmage on his first step. The O-line should keep an eye on him, considering he can definitely get to Darian Mensah.
Miami Hurricanes
Xavier Lucas
Xavier Lucas vs Duce Robinson pic.twitter.com/yJrjtmoRMw
— Grant Reacts (@GrantReacts1) October 4, 2025
Welcome back, sir. Xavier Lucas has been out since the opening game at Stanford. Now that he’s cleared to play, Lucas reinforces the secondary just as the schedule becomes interesting. With him, the Hurricanes form a significantly enhanced shutdown presence. Reporting has shown that adding him to the depth chart allows sophomore standout Bryce Fitzgerald to return to his natural position at safety. UM might choose to continue mixing and matching with JJ Dunnigan and Omar Thornton.
Darien Mensah
TD MIAMI! Passe curto de Darien Mensah pra Cooper Barkate que dispara numa jogada de 61 yds pra end zone e abre o placar contra Clemson! #CollegeNaESPN pic.twitter.com/1AhCpSYYpd
— collegefootball.com.br (@collegefootbr) October 3, 2026
Heisman candidate Darien Mensah is getting a taste of the storied rivalry. He arrives as the Canes are the clear favorite in both the ACC and the latest edition of the showdown between rivals. Mensah passed for 227 yards, scoring twice against Clemson in the air and on the ground. Miami’s signal caller has 1,438 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Fresh off the bye, Mensah is poised to pick apart FSU.
Marquise Lightfoot
Marquise Lightfoot SMACKS the QB and causes the Fumble.
No TD because of a Penalty. pic.twitter.com/gFvM8mZFnN
— Grant Reacts (@GrantReacts1) September 27, 2026
Daniels better watch out because Marquise Lightfoot returns to the fray. The edge rusher has recorded a team-leading five sacks and will help pressure the Seminoles all night. Lightfoot suffered a lower-body injury in the second quarter of Miami’s 41-13 win over the Tigers and exited the game. The Canes ultimately recorded six sacks with the tantalizing potential for more. The front will be at its best Saturday night, ready to shut down the Seminoles.
Prediction
This won’t be close. The Miami Hurricanes will remain undefeated and make it three in a row against Florida State. One more reason for Mike Norvell’s ouster. Canes will win 45-9.
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