Miami Hurricanes Open Season Ranked 14th in AP Poll

The Hurricanes enter the 2026-27 basketball season following a major turnaround that yielded 26 wins last year.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Basketball

Miami Hurricanes Open Season Ranked 14th in AP Poll

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Miami enters the 2026-27 basketball season ranked No. 14 in the AP Top 25 poll. The ranking follows a breakout 2025-26 campaign where the Hurricanes finished with a 26-9 overall record.

Why it matters

The team’s rapid climb reflects a successful program rebuild, improving from a 7-24 record in the 2024-25 season to 26 victories the following year. This momentum positions Miami as a significant contender within the ACC.

Last season, the Hurricanes shot 49.7% from the field and 68.3% from the free-throw line. Key contributors included Malik Reneau, who averaged 18.9 points per game, and Somto Cyril, who shot 76% from the floor.

The players

Jai Lucas

He is the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes basketball team and is currently in his second year with the program.

Malik Reneau

He is a key offensive contributor for the Hurricanes who averaged 18.9 points per game during the 2025-26 season.

Shelton Henderson

He is a primary scoring threat who averaged 13.8 points per game and shot 62% from 2-point range last season.

Somto Cyril

He is a high-efficiency frontcourt player who recorded a 76% field goal percentage during the previous season.

Acaden Lewis

He is an incoming transfer guard joining the Miami roster to help facilitate the offense for the new campaign.

The details

Head coach Jai Lucas enters his second year leading a roster bolstered by transfer guard Acaden Lewis and five-star recruit Caleb Gaskins. The team’s success last season largely depended on defensive consistency, as Miami went 26-4 when holding opponents to 81 points or less.

The 2024-25 season saw Miami finish with a 7-24 record.
The 2025-26 season concluded with a 26-9 record for the team.
Miami opens the 2026-27 season against Florida on November 2, 2026.
The team hosts Alabama on December 2, 2026.
Miami travels to play Texas in Houston on December 12, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Miami’s high preseason ranking sets a standard for the team to maintain against a difficult non-conference schedule that includes Florida, Alabama, and Texas. This season will reveal if the program can sustain its 26-win momentum while navigating the competitive landscape of the ACC.

The Hurricanes’ ability to hold opponents to 81 points or less will be the critical indicator of their success, as the team went 26-4 under that threshold last season. Fans should monitor the rotation minutes for newcomers like Acaden Lewis and Caleb Gaskins to see how they impact the team’s 49.7% field goal efficiency.

The takeaway

Building on last year's 26-win season requires the Hurricanes to maintain their defensive intensity against top-tier non-conference opponents. Consistency in shooting and integrating new talent will be essential for the team to meet or exceed its current No. 14 national ranking.