Game Recap
Canes Beat Florida State 43-35 in Double Overtime, Climb to No. 1 for First Time Since 2002
The Canes are 6-0 and ranked No. 1 after an instant classic against Florida State.
The game everyone in Miami Gardens circled lived up to every bit of the hype. Miami and Florida State traded punches for four quarters and two overtimes at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday night before the Hurricanes finally pulled away, 43-35. The reward came Sunday: Miami is No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2002.
Miami 43, Florida State 35 (2OT). Saturday, October 17, Hard Rock Stadium. Canes: 6-0, 4-0 ACC, No. 1 in the AP poll. Next: Pitt at Hard Rock Stadium, Saturday, October 24, at noon.
How it happened
Mark Fletcher Jr. opened the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and Darian Mensah found Malachi Toney for a 14-yard score in the second. Florida State answered both times, and the teams went to halftime tied 14-14.
The Seminoles took a 21-14 lead late in the third quarter on a 28-yard touchdown pass. Miami tied it with a short touchdown run midway through the fourth, then went ahead 28-21 when Mensah hit a 3-yard touchdown pass with under three minutes left. The lead lasted only seconds. Florida State struck back immediately with a 75-yard touchdown pass, and the game headed to overtime tied 28-28.
Two overtimes
Florida State scored first in overtime on a 20-yard touchdown pass. Miami answered with a 25-yard touchdown run to force a second extra period. In double overtime, Mensah found Toney for a 3-yard touchdown, and Toney then threw the two-point conversion to Barkate for a 43-35 lead. Florida State could not answer, and Hard Rock Stadium erupted.
By the numbers
The Canes piled up 583 total yards, including 257 on the ground, and held the ball for more than 37 minutes. Mensah threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns, though he was also intercepted for the first time this season. Miami's defense came up with three fourth-down stops, which proved just as important as any touchdown.
No. 1 for the first time since 2002
Sunday's AP poll put Miami at No. 1, the program's first time at the top since 2002. The Canes have now won three straight in the series against Florida State.
What's next: Pitt on Saturday
The Canes stay home this Saturday, October 24, to host Pitt at noon. It is also Florida Memorial University's homecoming, so expect a busy day across Miami Gardens. After that, Miami travels to North Carolina on October 31 and Notre Dame on November 7 before returning home to face Duke on November 14.
For a noon kickoff, college parking lots typically open five hours early, so tailgating will start around 7:00 a.m. See our Hard Rock Stadium parking guide and our October events guide.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the Miami vs Florida State game in 2026?
Miami beat Florida State 43-35 in double overtime on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Is Miami ranked No. 1?
Yes. After beating Florida State, Miami rose to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2002.
What is Miami’s record in 2026?
The Miami Hurricanes are 6-0 overall and 4-0 in the ACC.
When is the next Miami Hurricanes home game?
Miami hosts Pitt at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at noon.
Scores and statistics are from official game data. Rankings are from the AP Top 25 released October 18, 2026. Published: October 19, 2026.
