Miami Hurricanes are Ranked as one of the Top Five “Dirtiest” Teams in the Nation the last five years, the Hurricanes have had two head coaches: Manny Diaz, and Mario Cristobal. Under both coaches’ leadership, the Hurricanes have maintained one consistent theme — they have been among the dirtiest teams in college football.
“Dirtiest” here doesn’t refer to perceived cheap shots or unsportsmanlike behavior, but rather to teams with the most penalties. According to Action Network, the Hurricanes rank fifth nationally from 2020–2024 on the “dirty score” meter, which measures discipline using four metrics: penalty yards per game, penalties per game, penalty first downs per game, and penalties per play.
This is not a top-five ranking worth celebrating. The Hurricanes trail only New Mexico, UAB, Toledo, and Pittsburgh.
In the four measured categories, Miami has averaged 7.06 penalties per game and 64.88 penalty yards per game over the last five years. They’ve averaged 2.42 penalties per game that result in first downs and one penalty every 0.05 plays.
For comparison, Iowa has been the most disciplined team in the nation during this span, averaging 3.92 penalties per game, 33.80 penalty yards per game, 1.36 penalties resulting in first downs per game, and one penalty every 0.03 plays.
The Hurricanes have often beaten themselves over the past five seasons, and their place in the top five on the “dirty meter” is proof of it. Reducing penalties in 2025 will be a key area for improvement, one that could directly translate into more wins.
“Dirtiest” here doesn’t refer to perceived cheap shots or unsportsmanlike behavior, but rather to teams with the most penalties. According to Action Network, the Hurricanes rank fifth nationally from 2020–2024 on the “dirty score” meter, which measures discipline using four metrics: penalty yards per game, penalties per game, penalty first downs per game, and penalties per play.
This is not a top-five ranking worth celebrating. The Hurricanes trail only New Mexico, UAB, Toledo, and Pittsburgh.
In the four measured categories, Miami has averaged 7.06 penalties per game and 64.88 penalty yards per game over the last five years. They’ve averaged 2.42 penalties per game that result in first downs and one penalty every 0.05 plays.
For comparison, Iowa has been the most disciplined team in the nation during this span, averaging 3.92 penalties per game, 33.80 penalty yards per game, 1.36 penalties resulting in first downs per game, and one penalty every 0.03 plays.
The Hurricanes have often beaten themselves over the past five seasons, and their place in the top five on the “dirty meter” is proof of it. Reducing penalties in 2025 will be a key area for improvement, one that could directly translate into more wins.
