The Miami Hurricanes have officially staked their claim as Florida’s football state champions after defeating all three in state rivals, Florida, USF, and now Florida State in the 2025 season.
Saturday night’s 28–22 win over the Seminoles in Tallahassee capped a dominant run across the Sunshine State and marked Miami’s best start in recent memory.
Florida State Champions: The In State Sweep
Miami’s 5–0 start includes victories over every major Florida programme, something no other team in the state can boast this year.
USF (South Florida) 13th September
W 49-12
Miami’s offence exploded for more than 570 total yards. Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for 120 yards, while Carson Beck threw three touchdown passes. The defence limited USF to just one TD all night.
Florida Gators 20th September
W 26–7
A statement win at Hard Rock Stadium. The Canes’ defence completely shut down Florida’s passing game, forcing two interceptions. Rueben Bain Jr. dominated up front with two sacks.
Florida State Seminoles 4th October
W 28–22
The rivalry showdown. Carson Beck threw four touchdown passes, two each to Malachi Toney and CJ Daniels and the Canes held off a furious late rally in Tallahassee.
With those results, Miami now hold a clean sweep of their in state opponents and every right to call themselves the 2025 Florida State Champions.
Recap: Miami vs Florida State
Final Score: Miami 28, Florida State 22
Venue: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee
Attendance: 67277
Miami built a 14–3 lead at half time behind Carson Beck’s precise passing and a relentless defensive effort. The Hurricanes extended their advantage to 28–3 by the end of the third quarter, before FSU struck back with 19 unanswered points to make it close.
Quarterback Tommy Castellanos found Lawayne McCoy and Randy Pittman for late touchdowns, but Miami’s defence held strong when it mattered most.
Key Stats
Carson Beck: 20/27 passing, 241 yards, 4 TDs
Malachi Toney: 7 receptions, 107 yards, 2 TDs
CJ Daniels: 5 receptions, 78 yards, 2 TDs
Mark Fletcher Jr.: 41 rushing yards on 12 carries
Turnovers: Miami forced three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble)
The win was Miami’s first away victory of the season and improved their record to 5–0 overall, 1–0 in ACC play.
Rivalry Respect Restored
After ending Florida State’s winning streak with a dominant 36–14 win in 2024, Miami have now secured back to back victories over the Seminoles.
Saturday’s result in Tallahassee proved that The U are back in charge of the rivalry. Winning in consecutive seasons, and this time on the road, reinforces Miami’s status as the top team in the state and backs up Mario Cristobal’s message that the swagger has returned to Coral Gables.
Post Game Reaction
Mario Cristobal praised his team’s focus and resilience, saying:
“We talk about owning our state, and tonight we did that. The players showed real toughness when it mattered. This was about finishing and they finished.”
Quarterback Carson Beck, now with 12 touchdowns through five games, said:
“Games like this are why you come to Miami. The energy, the rivalry, the pressure to win in that environment feels incredible.”
Freshman wideout Malachi Toney continues to impress, while the defensive front led by Rueben Bain Jr. once again set the tone.
Why It Matters
Rivalry dominance
Back-to-back wins over FSU re-establish Miami as the top team in Florida.
Playoff implications
Miami’s 5–0 record strengthens their national ranking and keeps playoff hopes alive.
The state crown
Beating Florida, FSU and USF gives Miami the unofficial but symbolic Florida State Championship title a badge of pride that fans and players will cherish.
The UK Perspective
For Canes fans watching from the UK, this was another late-night epic. Kick-off at 12:30am but the celebrations were worth every minute. Let’s not talk about that 4th quarter though.
From Miami to Tallahassee to Yorkshire, this team continues to make fans proud.
Because wherever you’re watching from…
It’s All About The U.
Jimmy
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