The Miami Hurricanes' College Football Playoff (CFP) run was a pivotal moment for the program, not only in terms of on-field success but also in player development. As the team looks ahead to the 2026 season, several players who stepped up during the CFP are poised to become key contributors. Here's a closer look at five players who will look to carry that momentum forward.
RB Mark Fletcher: Explosive Potential
Mark Fletcher's performance during the CFP was nothing short of remarkable. His 507 rushing yards and 6.7 yards per carry average showcased his ability to break free from tackles and make big plays. What makes Fletcher's success even more impressive is his physicality; at 6-feet-2 and 225 pounds, he averaged 4.78 yards per carry after contact, generating 17 runs of at least ten yards. This productivity against some of the nation's top defenses is a strong indicator of his star potential. However, the real test for Fletcher will be maintaining this high level of production throughout the entire 2026 season. Personally, I think Fletcher's ability to consistently deliver explosive plays could make him a cornerstone of the Hurricanes' offense.
OL Samson Okunlola: Rising Star at Left Guard
Samson Okunlola's journey to becoming a starting offensive lineman was a testament to his dedication and improvement. During the regular season, he split time at left guard with Matthew McCoy, earning solid grades from PFF. However, it was in the CFP that Okunlola truly shined. His pass blocking grade of 75.6 and run blocking grade of 72.2 were the best of any Miami offensive lineman during the run. Okunlola's highest-graded game came against Ohio State, where he started and graded out with impressive run and pass blocking grades. Looking ahead, Okunlola will be the full-time starting left guard in 2026, and his development will be crucial to the success of the offensive line. In my opinion, Okunlola's consistency and ability to anchor the left side of the line could make him a cornerstone of the Hurricanes' offensive success.
DT Justin Scott: Dominance in the Middle
Justin Scott's rise as a dominant defensive tackle was evident in his increased snaps and impact during the CFP. He averaged 45 defensive snaps per game during the run, up from 27 in the regular season. Scott's quickness off the ball and natural power allowed him to generate plenty of knock-back at the line of scrimmage. His ability to contain the run and generate quarterback pressures was a key factor in the Hurricanes' defensive success. As Scott enters his 2026 season, he has the potential to blossom into one of the best players at his position in the country. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Scott's natural power and quickness can be harnessed to create a dominant defensive presence. I believe Scott's development will be a key factor in the Hurricanes' defensive strategy.
LB Mo Toure: Veteran Leadership
Mo Toure's performance in the CFP was a testament to his leadership and versatility. He averaged 7.5 tackles per game during the run, up from 4.5 in the regular season. Toure's ability to contain the run and generate quarterback pressures was a key factor in the Hurricanes' defensive success. However, one area where Toure can look to improve in 2026 is his coverage. Teams will likely target him in coverage, and small improvements in this area could be significant. Keeping Toure healthy will be important to the success of the defense, as he is a veteran linebacker who is very good at containing the run. Personally, I think Toure's leadership and experience will be invaluable to the younger players on the team.
DB Bryce Fitzgerald: Ballhawking Safety
Bryce Fitzgerald's emergence as a ballhawking safety was a key factor in the Hurricanes' defensive success during the CFP. His two interceptions against Texas A&M were critical to the team's victory. Now in 2026, Fitzgerald will be expected to be one of the best safeties in the ACC. The challenge for Fitzgerald will be to execute his assignment at a consistent level while maintaining playmaking potential. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Fitzgerald's ability to read the quarterback and make big plays can be harnessed to create a dominant defensive presence. I believe Fitzgerald's development will be a key factor in the Hurricanes' defensive strategy.
In conclusion, the Miami Hurricanes' CFP run was a transformative experience for several players. As the team looks ahead to the 2026 season, Mark Fletcher, Samson Okunlola, Justin Scott, Mo Toure, and Bryce Fitzgerald are poised to become key contributors. Their performances during the CFP showcased their potential, and their development will be crucial to the team's success. What makes this particularly fascinating is how these players' individual strengths can be harnessed to create a dominant and cohesive team. From my perspective, the Hurricanes' 2026 season will be an exciting journey as these players look to carry the momentum from the CFP into the new year.
