It was all about the U at the U, days before the Miami Hurricanes are set to take the field at Hard Rock Stadium against the Indiana Hoosiers.
The student body at the University of Miami’s campus had an extra pep in their step going into the weekend, as they assembled at the Student Center Complex’s Lakeside Patio, Friday afternoon.
Spirits were high and the energy electric as a long line of fans waited to purchase green and orange Canes gear ahead of a pep rally that kicked off Friday afternoon.
“Go Canes!” said several students as they made the “U” sign with their hands.
The event features music, games and giveaways with the aim of firing up the fans ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Hoosiers.
7News cameras captured the marching band playing upbeat music and cheerleaders throwing up their pom poms as they danced to the tune.
The patio was dripping in orange and green as Hurricane fans were in full gameday mode.
If they win Monday, it would be their sixth national title and the first time in two decades the Canes bring a championship home.
“I’m pumped, I’m pumped. It’s time,” said a fan.
“They’ve proven that they can win big games and they have the city rallying behind them,” said UM employee Justin Sarabia.
“I think we’re going to win. I have hope, faith. We’ve done great this season. I’ve seen them through freshmen year to senior year. This is the most electric year yet,” said fan Jalaiya Cunningham.
Students said they’ve been along for the ride their full college career.
“Sophomore, junior, senior year and seeing our team progress, it’s amazing,” said fan Carlos Aragon.
“We’re seniors so it’s been an amazing feeling having something to go out on,” said a fan.
“Campus is amazing right now. Everybody is excited to be here! We’re just excited to take in this moment before we graduate,” said fan Bryan.
At one point, Canes head coach Mario Cristobal hopped onto the stage to pump up the energetic fan base.
“You know how much we appreciate you,” he told the happy crowd.
Fans also cheered when they saw former Canes player Bryant McKinnie taking the stage to boost the next generation.
“It’s very nostalgic for me because you get to come back and experience this 24 years later. Just now as a fan, as an alumni, it’s great for the community, for the school, students, everybody,” he said. “For the program to be back in this position, I like how coach Cristobal came in and was able to rebuild and put us back in this position.”
For many in the crowd, being on the Coral Gables campus is the closest they’ll get to Monday’s championship.
“Probably [Malachi] Toney making another touchdown like last game,” said a fan Katrina Rodriguez.
After the pep rally, Canes players are heading to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, where they will be staying prior to the highly anticipated matchup.
Fans stood on the sidelines to give them a nice send off as they honked horns and cheered while the team members and Coach Cristobal boarded the bus.
“It’s great to be a Miami Hurricane,” said three fans in a chanting cadence.
Players greeted fans with fist bumps, photos and merchandise signing while they walked to their bus.
Brad, a Canes fan, showed 7News his Hurricanes helmet with the autograph of every player on the 2025 team.
“It was the coolest thing ever. I know how cool this is going to be and how special this is going to be come Monday night,” he said.
The Canes have only played against the Hoosiers twice, and the last time was in 1966. The Canes won both times.
Decades later, they are ready to go 3-0 and leave it all on the field at the Hard Rock Stadium.
The Watsco Center at the Coral Gables campus will host a watch party on Monday night.