Miami Hurricanes newcomers talk FSU rivalry. Plus a look at a big recruiting weekend

Nearly one-third of the No. 6 Miami Hurricanes’ key contributors this year are additions from the transfer portal and thus are playing in the team’s rivalry game against the Florida State Seminoles for the first time on Saturday.

But that doesn’t mean they are ignorant about what the game means to the team.

And that’s by design.

“You’d be surprised how many guys you think wouldn’t be familiar with it but are familiar with it,” Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal said. “I think it’s important that we always educate our players on the history of the University of Miami and such an insanely awesome rivalry like we’ve always had with Florida State.”

Now, players know in general the excitement of rivalry games.

But after being around the UM program for some time now, the newcomers are excited for their first — and in most cases only — chance to play FSU with the Hurricanes.

Here’s what a few of them had to say:

Quarterback Cam Ward, who transferred to Miami from Washington: “Just the history of it, I would say. And I knew that even when I chose Miami about the rivalry with FSU. I’m just excited that I finally get to play in one of these games. The guys who have been on this team for a full four years are excited for this game. We get to go play a good football team on Saturday. What else could you ask for?”

Defensive tackle Simeon Barrow, who transferred to Miami from Michigan State: “It’s going to be a great game. That’s a great football team. ... I love rivalry games. It’s going to be a great moment.”

Running back Damien Martinez, who transferred to Miami from Oregon State: “You kind of see it everywhere and hear about all the time that it’s the biggest rivalry — Miami and Florida State. Just playing in it, I’m just focused on preparation and getting better for the game. They’ve got good players. Don’t want to take them lightly. We don’t really look at records or anything. We just look at who they got and what we’ve got to do to execute and beat this team.”

Big recruiting weekend

The Hurricanes’ home game against the Seminoles on Saturday night is more than just the latest edition of an in-state rivalry.

It’s also a massive event for the Hurricanes on the recruiting front.

In addition to 21 of the team’s 22 oral commits for the 2025 recruiting class, which ranks 12th nationally according to the 247Sports composite rankings, Miami is slated to host dozens of other top recruits on Saturday.

Among them:

▪ Class of 2025 five-star cornerback DJ Pickett, currently an LSU commit

▪ Six other Class of 2025 four-star prospects: Miami Booker T. Washington cornerback Ben Hanks Jr. (currently a Florida commit), linebacker TJ Alford (currently an Ohio State commit), defensive lineman Myron Charles (currently a Texas commit), defensive lineman Jarquez Carter (currently an Ohio State commit), cornerback Shamar Arnoux (currently a Southern Cal commit), linebacker Kellen Wiley and Plantation American Heritage wide receiver Malachi Toney.

▪ More than two dozen of 247Sports’ top 247 recruits for the Class of 2026, including Miami Carol City linebacker Jordan Campbell, Miami Northwestern wide receiver Calvin Russell and cornerback J’Vari Flowers, American Heritage wide receiver Brandon Bennett, St. Thomas Aquinas cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick and Monarch wide receiver Jabari Brady.

Cristobal on Echevarria

After the Hurricanes’ win over Louisville last week, coach Mario Cristobal gave a special guest the game ball in the visitor’s locker room at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.

The recipient: Joe Echevarria, who one day earlier was named the University of Miami president after holding the interim president title since June after Julio Frenk stepped down to become the chancellor at UCLA.

“It starts with him being an elite human being and a legitimate difference-maker and impact guy,” Cristobal said Monday. “Game-changer for so many reasons. He’s a guy that’s poured his heart and soul into the University of Miami. I can honestly say I would not have hopped on a plane and come to Miami without the presence of our president, our current president, Joe Echevarria.”

UM honors for Echevarria, Restrepo, Ward, Powell, Echevarria

Echevarria and Hurricanes wide receiver Xavier Restrepo this week were tapped into the University of Miami’s Iron Arrow Society, an honor society at the school that is viewed as the highest honor that the university can bestow upon someone. About 30 people are admitted annually.

Additionally, Ward and safety Mishael Powell were inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society, a society that recognizes exemplary student leaders.