Let this Loss push the team to unfinished business in 2026. If we get Mensah, we're contenders again

[AtlAtty]

In the 16 team playoff does a conference winner get a bye?

I don’t think any team gets a bye in a 16 team format.
16 to 8 to 4 to 2 to 1

 

[nycane]

we have won 23 games in two years and all our loses were single digits. we will be fine.

 

[Santana Sosa]

If the playoff format remains the same, I would prefer a first round bye regardless of what the history has been.
4 games against really good team is brutal.

We didnt play in a conference championship game. The time off was about the same as having a first round bye. Only problem there as you said 4 straight games.

 

[561caneforever]

If the playoff format remains the same, I would prefer a first round bye regardless of what the history has been.
4 games against really good team is brutal.

If I’m not mistaken the combined record of the 4 teams we played was 51-3 (not including our game with each opponent). This was a monster gauntlet.

 

[anr96]

I think that's partly why I'm on the floor.

We ran an absolute gauntlet. Texas A&M at their place. The most talented team in the nation, OSU, and then a talented team playing inspired football to spite their ex-HC, Ole Miss - and then you lose to Indiana by shooting yourselves in the foot.

I think that was our moment. We blew it.

Exactly this. So many factors go into getting to the natty and college football is so unpredictable these days. We could have a better team next year and still not make it as far. You just never know. Will be rooting for another natty appearance, but wish we secured #6 tonight while we had the opportunity. It was well within reach.

 

[Hstokes1447]

Idk how we come back without Bain and Mesidor, but I appreciate the optimism.

They are amazing players, but we have to understand that Hetherman’s system will put the next guy in a great position to make plays as well.

We have a great football program guys, getting to the Natty wasn’t a fluke

 

[Hstokes1447]

Problem is things are so different now. You don’t lose a small group and bring back a majority of guys who’ve all been though stuff together. It’s not really like that.

We’ll be such a different team next season. And most others, too.

Doesn’t mean we can’t make a run, I just don’t see much carry over. It’ll be a new thing.

I think it depends on how this staff retains the players on this team. If it can be like last year, there could be a significant number of guys returning who played meaningful snaps during this run.

We will know by the end of this week, what the 2026 team will look like. If they retain 90% offense this roster, like last season, Miami will enter spring 3 deep at most positions with returning players.

 

[Hstokes1447]

You guys know how college football rosters work.

Next year we won’t be as good at DE, Nickel, RT and RG, and safety (Thomas)
But if everyone else returns, we could be better at DT (another year for Moten and Scott), WR (young guys developing, freshmen and transfers), QB (Mensah obviously).
Safety could be similar if Bryce continues to improve
RB would be the same or better if Fletcher, Brown and Pringle are all back, and throw in Mallory (I assume Lyle is gone)

OL will be interesting because we lose 3-4 starters (kind of like 2001), so we must take a step back, but if Seaton comes, Cantwell is ready and some of the guys in the pipeline keep getting better, the drop off may not be dramatic because Mirabal can really coach.

All that to say some positions will be worse, some will be better, but we are in REALLY GOOD HANDS in Mario. So the overall product will continue to be strong.

One last thing. I can guarantee 10000% that no one is more upset and will be working harder in about 6 hours than Mario Cristobal. This is unfinished business to him and he will not rest.
Expect calls in the next few hours to Seaton, Wilson and Mensah.

I agree and if this staff adds Wilson and Keona Davis via the portal, along with the development of the guys on the roster, I actually think the DE position overall will be better.

Seaton will be an upgrade at LT over Bell, and be the equivalent of having a CiCi type of tackle on the line. The question will be can Cantwell be the answer on the right side, at least give us what Bell was able to give.

Guard, move Sampson to the right and I think he can continue to develop into a very solid player, I can see him being an all conference player next season.


I’m truly excited about the development of the guys who are returning. This staff proved this season they can develop these players, Justin Scott, OJ, Poyser, Fletcher, Marion, Sampson, Moten, Toure, Lightfoot, Bell are all miles better than they were at the start of the season. If that continues with the other players, and we could have a monster of a team next season.