College Sports Established
1929
Location
Coral Gables, Florida
College Name
University of Miami
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1929 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2004 – Present / ACC Conference
1991 – 2004 / Big East Conference
1878 - 1990 / Division I Independent
1929 - 1942 / Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Hurricanes - The Miami Hurricanes are one of the country's most recognizable college football teams, and their nickname is integral to their identity. But where did this iconic moniker come from? Let’s take a look at how it all began.
In 1926, then-athletic director Clyde Lassen sought a new name for his school’s sports teams. He wanted something that would capture the spirit and energy of South Florida—something that could represent both strength and speed without being too literal or generic. After considering several options (including “Tropics”), he settled on “Hurricanes” to honor Miami's tropical climate as well as its location near hurricane-prone areas like Cuba and The Bahamas.
With this decision came some controversy: many people thought it was insensitive to use such a powerful natural force as a mascot (especially since hurricanes can cause great destruction). Despite these concerns, however, Lassen stuck with his choice—and today, we know why! The University has used various iterations of Hurricane imagery over time—from cartoonish storm clouds to more realistic depictions —but they have always kept true to their original theme: strength through adversity, resilience in times of challenge, and power amidst chaos…all qualities embodied by Mother Nature herself!
In conclusion, while there may be debating about whether or not using hurricanes as mascots is appropriate given our current state of affairs with global warming/climate change etc., one thing remains certain: no matter what challenges life throws at us – just like any good hurricane – we will find ways persevere through them together!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 4
2001, 1999, 1985, 1982
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1982
- 1989
- 2001
- 2001
- 2008
- 2013
-
Jim Kelly Miami Hurricane 1982
Kelly was offered a linebacker scholarship instead of quarterback to play college football at Penn State University under coach Joe Paterno. He went on to play for the University of Miami, where he played an important role in helping build the program into one of the nation’s best. Kelly finished his career at Miami with 406 completions in 646 attempts ... -
Hurricanes win their third national championship in football
In 1989: The Hurricanes win their third national championship in football by defeating Alabama 33-25 in the Sugar Bowl under coach Dennis Erickson, who replaced Johnson after he left for the NFL. -
The Hurricanes win their fifth national championship in football
In 2001: The Hurricanes win their fifth national championship in football by defeating Nebraska 37-14 in the Rose Bowl under coach Larry Coker, who replaced Erickson after he left for the NFL. -
Miami Hurricanes College World Series 2001
The 2001 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament was played at the end of the 2001 NCAA Division I baseball season to determine the national champion of college baseball. The tournament concluded with eight teams competing in the College World Series, a double-elimination tournament in its fifty-fifth year. Sixteen regional competitions were held to determine the participants in the final event, ... -
The Hurricanes move into Hard Rock Stadium
In 2008: The Hurricanes move into Hard Rock Stadium, formerly known as Dolphin Stadium, for their home football games. -
Hurricanes win their first ACC tournament title
In 2013: The Hurricanes win their first ACC tournament title in men’s basketball by defeating North Carolina 87-77 in the final.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Hurricanes
The Miami Hurricanes are one of history's most iconic and successful NCAA sports teams. With a long list of championships, legendary players, and passionate fans, it's no wonder why they remain so popular today. From their first national championship in 1983 to their recent success on the football field, there is plenty to celebrate regarding this storied program, especially in their rivalry with the SMU Mustangs.
The University of Miami has played college football since 1926 and won five National Championships (1983-2001). Two Hall Of Fame coaches led the team during this era: Howard Schnellenberger from 1979-1983 and Jimmy Johnson from 1984-1988. During these years, they developed some of the greatest players ever seen, such as Michael Irvin, Warren Sapp & Ray Lewis, who all went on to become NFL superstars after leaving “the U.” This golden age for Hurricanes Football culminated with back–to–back National Titles in 1989 & 1990 under Dennis Erickson which set them up for future success throughout the 90s & 2000s including another title win under Larry Coker in 2001 against Nebraska at Rose Bowl Stadium California.
In addition to being one of college football's elite programs during its heyday, The University Of Miami also had tremendous success across other sports, including Baseball, where Jim Morris led them to two College World Series titles(1999& 2001) as well as Basketball where Leonard Hamilton guided his squad too three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances (1998 - 2000). Furthermore, current head coach Manny Diaz has returned “the U” back into national prominence with an ACC Coastal Division Championship last season, followed by a Cotton Bowl victory over Oklahoma State earlier this year, making him only the second UM coach ever to win 10 games within his first 2 seasons at the helm. All these accomplishments solidify how dominant force hurricanes athletics have been historically speaking within Conference and across the entire landscape collegiate sporting world.
Overall, Miami Hurricanes are undoubtedly among top-tier programs when discussing great teams. NCAA history boasts numerous conference and national championships and star-quality athletes produced through decades. Keep an eye out next time you're watching ESPN or tuning your local radio station to hear the latest news updates from the University of Miami, especially in the context of their fierce rivalry with the Florida State Seminoles!
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