**Miami Is ACC’s Highest-Ranked Team But May Miss Conference Title Game And CFP**
Miami quarterback Carson Beck (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
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Early last month, Miami was ranked second in the Associated Press poll — just the third time in the past 22 years the Hurricanes have been ranked that high. Since then, however, UM has lost two games, continuing a pattern of mistakes that have become commonplace during coach Mario Cristobal’s tenure.
Still, the Hurricanes entered Tuesday night at No. 15 in the latest College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, making them the highest-ranked team in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The league also had four other ranked teams: No. 16 Georgia Tech, No. 19 Virginia, No. 20 Louisville, and No. 22 Pittsburgh.
Miami moved up from No. 18 in the initial CFP rankings released on November 4th — which was the fourth-best among ACC schools at that time. Meanwhile, Virginia and Louisville fell in the rankings after losing last weekend, Georgia Tech had a bye week, and Miami’s dominant 38-10 victory over Syracuse last Saturday helped secure their climb.
However, there is a significant problem for Miami. The Hurricanes currently sit seventh in the ACC with a 3-2 record against league opponents. Georgia Tech, Virginia, Pittsburgh, and unranked SMU top the league with 5-1 records. They are followed by unranked Duke at 4-1 and Louisville at 4-2.
Because of this standing, even if Miami wins its final three ACC games against North Carolina State, Virginia Tech, and Pittsburgh, the Hurricanes may still not make it to the conference championship game. If that scenario plays out, UM would not be eligible to receive an automatic berth into the CFP.
According to the rules, the five highest-ranked conference champions earn spots in the 12-team playoff field. But since Miami may not win the ACC title, they would be ineligible for one of those slots — despite being the highest-ranked ACC team in the CFP rankings.
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