Are the Miami Hurricanes a Serious Basketball Contender Once Again?

Jai Lucas is building a team that is going to complete night in and night out against the best in the country.

Nov 27, 2025; Kissimmee, Florida, USA; Brigham Young University Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) is guarded by Miami (FL) Hurricanes forward Shelton Henderson (7) in the second half at State Farm Field House. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Two years ago, the Miami Hurricanes had their worst season in program history, but quickly Jai Lucas entered and changed the program in one season.

However, it wasn’t long ago that the Canes were knocking on the door of a National Championship. During the final years of the Jim Larranaga era, the Hurricanes battled to their first Elite Eight and Final Four in program history, but are still on the hunt for their first championship.

Lucas entered the program and changed it in an instant. The Hurricanes finished the season third in the ACC. They had a return appearance in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the round of 32 before being eliminated in a tough battle against Purdue.

Now in year two, the Hurricanes are preparing for a championship-level schedule and wars that will battle test them before they reach conference play. If you want to know that a team can compete with the best of the best, they will get thrown into the fire, and Lucas already has that planned.

The SEC Foes

Nov 16, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Dante Allen (35) drives to the basket past Florida Gators guard Xaivian Lee (1) during the second half at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

If the Hurricanes want to be a champion, it is clear that they need some of the best players in the country and face off against teams that are also looking for a championship. The Canes will face off against Florida, Texas, and Alabama in an SEC slate that could make or break their championship aspirations.

It also helps that Miami will have a chance to play against National Champions Michigan in the Players Era 16 tournament when they take on TCU. This schedule and roster are to be tested early on, and they will be coached that way as well.

ACC Conference Foes

Feb 24, 2026; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes forward Shelton Henderson (7) drives to the net past Florida State Seminoles forward Thomas Bassong (3) during the first half at Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Last season, the Canes didn't see the Duke Blue Devils, but if one person knows how to play against them, it's one of their former assistants. Lucas will return to Cameron Indoor to try and get a win against a new familiar foe, but Miami's schedule on the road is also a path of its own.

Road:

Florida State
Pitt
Cal
Duke
Georgia Tech
Louisville
North Carolina
Stanford
Virginia Tech

Home games, on paper, bring an easier challenge to one of the best home teams in the country last season. The Hurricanes rarely lost at home, but against a surging Wake Forest, Florida State, Virginia, and Syracuse, all of those things can change in an instant.

Home:

Clemson
NC State
Notre Dame
SMU
Syracuse
Virginia
Wake Forest
Florida State
Pitt

Each game will be harder than the last but the Canes have the talent to get that done.

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