Shannon Dawson Criticized Preseason Football Rankings
The Miami offensive coordinator spoke out as the Hurricanes reached a 4-0 record.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Football
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Miami Hurricanes offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson criticized preseason college football rankings following his team's strong start. The Hurricanes currently hold a 4-0 record and a No. 4 national ranking.
Why it matters
Comments from coaching staff regarding national perceptions highlight the team's drive to maintain momentum. The skepticism toward early rankings underscores the pressure on Miami to sustain its current performance after a National Championship loss last year.
Miami opened the 2026 season with a No. 7 ranking in the AP Poll. The Hurricanes currently hold a 4-0 record as they prepare for a Week 5 matchup.
The players
Shannon Dawson
He serves as the offensive coordinator for the Miami Hurricanes football team.
Miami Hurricanes
This is a collegiate football team that reached the National Championship game last season.
Clemson
This is a collegiate football program that serves as the opponent for Miami in Week 5.
The details
Shannon Dawson expressed his frustrations with how preseason projections were handled as the team continues to prove its capabilities on the field. The Hurricanes are focused on their upcoming game against Clemson as they seek to improve on their previous season's National Championship appearance.
Timeline
Miami opened the 2026 season ranked No. 7 in the AP Poll.
Shannon Dawson criticized preseason rankings on September 28, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Miami's current 4-0 run positions them as a top contender for a playoff spot after falling short in the 2025 National Championship game. This trajectory places significant importance on the upcoming matchup against Clemson to maintain their momentum and ranking.
Miami enters the Week 5 game against Clemson with a 4-0 record and a No. 4 national standing. The team is looking to build on this success to secure a high seed in the upcoming playoff picture.
The takeaway
Dawson's public criticism reflects the coaching staff's desire to keep the team focused despite high external expectations. Fans should monitor how this intensity impacts the squad's performance in their critical Week 5 game.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Football section.
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Do you believe preseason college football rankings are useful for determining team quality?
