Cote: The Miami Hurricanes are left wondering, “What if?” after Notre Dame wins the Orange Bowl and the CFP semifinal. | Viewpoint

Cote: The Miami Hurricanes Are Left Wondering, “What If?” After Notre Dame Wins the Orange Bowl and the CFP Semifinal

The Miami Hurricanes are no strangers to the spotlight. Over the decades, they have been synonymous with college football excellence, producing countless NFL stars, winning national championships, and building a football program that’s revered in the annals of college football history. Yet, in recent years, despite flashes of brilliance, the Hurricanes have struggled to recapture the magic that once made them one of the dominant forces in the sport.

As the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals approached, the Orange Bowl served as the grand stage for the showdown between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Miami Hurricanes. Both teams were riding high on the back of stellar seasons, but for Miami, there was an added layer of excitement. For a team that hadn’t been in a CFP semifinal since their near-miss in 2002, there was a palpable sense of expectation, anticipation, and hope.

Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, it wasn’t meant to be. Notre Dame, led by a masterful performance by their quarterback, skill players, and defensive unit, stormed past Miami in the Orange Bowl, clinching their spot in the national championship game. For the Hurricanes, this loss wasn’t just another playoff disappointment—it was a chance lost, a year of what-ifs, and yet another reminder of how far they had fallen from their former glory.

As the dust settled, the Miami program and its fans were left wondering: “What if?” What if they had been able to execute better in crucial moments? What if they had capitalized on their explosive offense and stifling defense? And perhaps most importantly, what if the Hurricanes had been able to seize this opportunity to return to the mountaintop of college football?

A Legacy of High Expectations

The history of the Miami Hurricanes is marked by greatness. From Howard Schnellenberger’s vision in the 1980s to Jimmy Johnson’s dominance in the 1990s, and later, Larry Coker’s championship run in 2001, the Hurricanes have a legacy that few programs can rival. Their swagger, speed, and “The U” brand have become part of the lore of college football. And for a generation of fans, the mere mention of Miami conjures images of hard-hitting defenses, explosive offenses, and players who played with a chip on their shoulder.

Over the last two decades, however, Miami has faced significant struggles. Inconsistent coaching hires, recruiting failures, and a lack of sustained success have plagued the program, preventing it from returning to its former glory. Yet, 2025 had a different feel. Miami, led by head coach Mario Cristobal, was finally showing signs of rejuvenation. Cristobal, a former Miami offensive lineman with deep ties to the program, had returned to his alma mater with the aim of restoring it to its former status. His work in recruiting, combined with a renewed sense of confidence and stability within the program, had Miami fans believing that this could be the year the Hurricanes returned to the elite.

As the season unfolded, Miami put together a championship-caliber squad. The Hurricanes’ offense was powered by a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback in Tyler Van Dyke, and their defense was as menacing as ever, with a fierce pass rush and a secondary that made life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Miami cruised through much of the regular season, earning a spot in the Orange Bowl to face Notre Dame, a matchup that was destined to be one for the ages.

A Missed Opportunity

When the ball was kicked off for the Orange Bowl, the game had all the makings of a classic. Notre Dame, with its storied tradition and playoff pedigree, was always a formidable opponent. However, Miami felt like the team that could match the Irish’s intensity and skill. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, the crowd loud and passionate, with both fanbases anticipating a momentous clash.

Yet, as the game wore on, it became clear that the Hurricanes were outmatched on this day. Miami’s offense, which had been firing on all cylinders throughout the season, struggled to find rhythm. Tyler Van Dyke, who had been so sharp throughout the regular season, found himself under pressure from Notre Dame’s relentless pass rush. His throws, which had once been so crisp and accurate, were now off-target. Miami’s highly touted offensive line failed to provide the protection that Van Dyke needed, and the result was a series of stalled drives and missed opportunities.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s offense, led by their quarterback Sam Hartman, was methodical and efficient. Hartman showed poise in the pocket, making key throws on third down and capitalizing on Miami’s mistakes. The Irish’s offensive line dominated the trenches, allowing Hartman to find open receivers and control the tempo of the game. Their defense, which had been a quiet strength throughout the year, was equally formidable, stifling Miami’s attempts to generate big plays and keeping the Hurricanes from ever gaining momentum.

The game ended in a Notre Dame victory, leaving Miami with more questions than answers. For Hurricanes fans, the defeat was gut-wrenching. They had come so close, only to fall short on the grand stage. It was another reminder of how far they still had to go to reclaim their place among the elite programs in college football. The loss felt especially painful because it was a rare opportunity—a season where everything seemed to line up for Miami, only to be dashed in the semifinal.

What Could Have Been

The immediate aftermath of the game was one of disappointment and reflection for the Miami football program. The Hurricanes had been so close to breaking through, and the loss left a bitter taste in their mouths. But it also raised a multitude of “what if” questions that fans and analysts alike could not ignore.

What if Tyler Van Dyke had been able to handle the pressure and execute better under the bright lights of the Orange Bowl? Van Dyke had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, and his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs had been a key factor in Miami’s success. But against Notre Dame, he struggled to find his rhythm. What if Miami’s offensive line had held up better? What if Van Dyke had been given the time to make those downfield throws that had been so effective earlier in the season? Would it have been enough to secure the win?

What if Miami’s defense had made a few more plays? Miami’s defense had been one of the strongest in the country, with playmakers like defensive end Chase Smith and linebacker Henry Parrish constantly putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, Notre Dame’s offense was able to execute in key moments, and the Miami defense couldn’t come up with the timely stops it needed. What if Miami had been able to generate a turnover or sack Hartman at a critical moment? Would it have been enough to swing the game in Miami’s favor?

These questions—among many others—will continue to linger in the minds of Miami fans for the foreseeable future. There’s no denying the talent on the team, and many believe that the Hurricanes are on the cusp of greatness. But the loss to Notre Dame serves as a reminder that, in college football, greatness isn’t guaranteed. Opportunities are fleeting, and it takes more than just talent to succeed on the biggest stages.

Looking Ahead

While the loss to Notre Dame was devastating for the Miami Hurricanes, it shouldn’t overshadow the progress that the program has made under Mario Cristobal. This season represented a return to form for Miami, a team that was once again competing at the highest level. Though the Orange Bowl loss may sting for a while, it also serves as a building block for the future.

Cristobal has laid the foundation for sustained success, recruiting elite talent and instilling a culture of toughness and discipline. The Hurricanes may have fallen short this year, but they are far from a program in decline. If anything, they’re closer than ever to breaking through. The 2025 season may have ended in disappointment, but it sets the stage for what could be a monumental 2026 campaign.

The “what if” questions will continue to haunt Miami fans, but for those who look beyond this loss, there’s reason to believe that the Hurricanes’ time is coming. The team is on the right trajectory, and with continued development and growth, the Hurricanes could very well find themselves in another CFP semifinal—and this time, they might not let the opportunity slip away.

For now, though, the Miami Hurricanes must accept the harsh reality: their dreams of playing in the national championship were dashed by Notre Dame’s excellence. And as they reflect on the Orange Bowl defeat, the question of “What if?” will linger in their minds. But it’s also a question that will drive them forward, as they continue their quest to reclaim the glory that once made them college football royalty.