Miami aims to build its own CFP legacy while honoring former stars

Miami's 2025 team has leaned on former Hurricanes such as Michael Irvin and Ray Lewis for messages and visits, and the team is one win away from the program's first national title since 2001.

Miami's 2025 football team has relied on visits, calls and messages from former Hurricanes as it reaches the College Football Playoff final. Coaches arranged FaceTime sessions and in-person talks with program greats so current players could hear standards and stories from those who played at Miami. The team has a long tradition of former players staying involved, and this season's group has used that connection as part of its preparation. At the same time, coaches and players say they are focused on creating a distinct identity for this era of Miami football. Key points: - Wide receivers coach Kevin Beard organized FaceTime sessions with former Hurricanes including Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne and Santana Moss. - Program legends including Michael Irvin and Ray Lewis made pregame or bowl-game appearances and spoke with the team during the season. - Head coach Mario Cristobal, a former Miami offensive lineman, emphasized a return to physical play while adapting past principles to the current game. - The 2025 team is one win away from Miami's first national championship since 2001 and will face unbeaten Indiana in the championship game. - This team is the first since at least 2003 to be placed among Miami's pantheon of great teams, and it defeated higher-ranked opponents such as Texas A&M, Ohio State and Mississippi during the season. Summary: The Hurricanes have been intentionally connecting past and present by bringing former players into team conversations while also shaping a contemporary identity under Cristobal. The outcome of the national championship game against unbeaten Indiana will influence how the 2025 team is recorded in Miami's history.