The Miami Hurricanes have won five national championships in college football, which is more than the Florida Gators (3) and Florida State Seminoles (3). Miami achieved this feat through victories in major bowl games after the 1983, 1987, 1989, 1991, and 2001 seasons. These accomplishments solidified the Canes’ reputation as a college football powerhouse, nicknamed “The U”, and demonstrated the program’s ability to excel in crucial moments.
Iconic names fill the roster and media guides of the 1980’s, 1990’s and early 2000’s, ranging from Ray Lewis to Warren Sapp, Michael Irvin and many more incredible talents who went on to great success in the NFL. Coaches included Jimmy Johnson, Howard Schnellenberger, Dennis Erickson and Larry Coker.
Miami has yet to win a conference title in the Atlantic Coast Conference and hasn’t won a national championship since the Ken Dorsey era ended in January of 2022, but the Canes nearly made the College Football Playoff this year, and appear to be on the journey back to being considered a national power.
The five bowl game victories listed below represent the pinnacle of Miami’s domin
1983 Orange Bowl
The Hurricanes won their first national championship in dramatic fashion at the 1984 Orange Bowl, which took place on January 1, 1984. Entering the game ranked fifth, Miami faced the top-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers, a team regarded as one of the most formidable in college football history. Under head coach Howard Schnellenberger, the Hurricanes surged to a 17-0 lead, but the game tightened as they found themselves clinging to a 31-30 advantage in the final minute. In a bold decision, Nebraska opted to attempt a two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown. However, Miami’s defense successfully thwarted the attempt, securing the victory and the national title.
1987 Orange Bowl
Four years later, Miami returned to the Orange Bowl on January 1, 1988, to face the Oklahoma Sooners for the national championship. Led by head coach Jimmy Johnson, the Hurricanes dominated the game, stifling Oklahoma’s potent wishbone offense and holding them to just 179 rushing yards, well below their season average of 428.8. Miami’s balanced attack and stout defense resulted in a convincing victory, solidifying their claim to the 1987 national title.
1989 Sugar Bowl
The Hurricanes secured their third national championship in seven years by defeating Alabama in the 1990 Sugar Bowl, which took place on January 1, 1990. Under first-year head coach Dennis Erickson, Miami rebounded from a midseason loss to Florida State and fell to seventh in the national polls before finishing the season with an impressive record of 11-1. Their victory in the Sugar Bowl, with a final score of 33-25, capped off a remarkable comeback season and earned Miami the title “The Team of the 1980s.”
1991 Orange Bowl
Miami secured its fourth national championship following the 1991 season, culminating in a decisive victory over Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. Under the leadership of Coach Dennis Erickson, the Hurricanes completed a perfect 12-0 season, which they emphasized with a commanding win against the Cornhuskers. This triumph further solidified Miami’s dominance in college football and showcased their ability to perform well in high-stakes bowl games.
2001 Rose Bowl (BCS National Championship Game)
The Hurricanes’ fifth and most recent national championship was won in spectacular fashion after the 2001 season. Under head coach Larry Coker, Miami fielded what many consider to be one of the greatest college football teams ever assembled. The Hurricanes capped off a perfect 12-0 season by defeating Nebraska in the Rose Bowl, which served as the BCS National Championship Game that year. This dominant performance left no doubt about Miami’s claim to the national title and showcased the program’s continued excellence into the 21st century.
From the nail-biting finish of the 1984 Orange Bowl to the dominant display in the 2002 Rose Bowl, the Hurricanes demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion in the most pressure-packed situations.
