Heading into the new season, head coach Mario Cristobal must focus on ending the streak of losing games the Hurricanes' are projected to win.
For the last two seasons, there have been games in the regular season that caused trouble for the Miami Hurricanes. Last season, the team fell short against Louisville and SMU--two teams the Hurricanes were projected to defeat. In 2024, they also suffered two defeats to Georgia Tech and Syracuse, resulting in missing out on the College Football Playoff.
The majority of the opponents on Miami's schedule will make sure they will bring their A-Game, as the Hurricanes just recently competed in the national championship this past season. The Hurricanes will probably be the favorite in 11 of their 12 games this season, so it is simple: get it done and have no slip-ups.
Here on CanesInSight, we're taking a look at two opponents on the Miami Hurricanes' 2026-27 football schedule that a lot of 'Canes fans do not have circled, but which could potentially shape up to be a good game. One of those opponents is Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Last season, the Hokies finished with a record of 3-9, which led to the firing of Brent Pry. Virginia Tech dug into the Big Ten and came out with, James Franklin, who was fired at Penn State after a disappointing season with the Nittany Lions.
The Hokies return 14 starters from this past season and also have a new signal-caller, Ethan Grunkemeyer, who threw 1,339 passing yards, eight touchdowns, while throwing four interceptions.
Six defensive players return for the Hokies with key portal additions: Eric Mensah, Curtis Jones Jr., Mylachi Williams, Kenny Woseley Jr., and Cortez Harris, among others.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Another team the Hurricanes must not overlook heading into the season is North Carolina. On paper, the Hurricanes seem to have a heavy advantage. While that may be true, it is a trap game, because just a week after the Hurricanes will travel to South Bend to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
The Tar Heels have not yet named a signal-caller starter for the season; however, the game is in Chapel Hill, where Miami has not won at since 2017.
Overlook
Mario Cristobal will have to make sure his team is ready and prepared each and every week for these types of matchups that the Hurricanes are heavily favored in and ensuring that they're no slip-ups in these games. Just straight business. 1-0 every week. Get the job done.
