Miami’s path to the ACC Championship Game remains narrow, but the situation has shifted after Georgia Tech’s loss. The Yellow Jackets fell 16–9 to Georgia, dropping to 9–3 overall. The Miami Hurricanes sit just behind the contenders and need every break possible during the season’s final stretch.
Georgia Tech’s stumble does not change the conference standings directly, but it does remove some of the pressure created by an opponent finishing strong. Miami still needs help to move into a championship position.
Their chances depend on winning out while hoping other ACC teams ahead of them slip in their remaining matchups. The Hurricanes have shown inconsistency this season, but they remain close enough in the standings to take advantage if one of the front-runners falters.
Georgia Tech’s loss is only part of what Miami needs. The Hurricanes must also show urgency in their remaining games and handle their business against Pittsburgh. A clean finish keeps them alive. A misstep ends the discussion entirely.
Miami’s offense has improved over the past few weeks, but availability remains a concern. Their depth on defense has taken hits, and the absence of key players has forced younger athletes into prominent roles.
The Hurricanes need stability to stay competitive down the stretch. Even though the Georgia Tech loss does not directly open a lane into the championship game, it removes one of the contenders from finishing the regular season at full strength and creates an opportunity for Miami if other results break their way.
The situation is straightforward. Miami must win. Teams ahead of them must lose. Georgia Tech’s defeat was the first part of that formula, even if the ACC standings remain unchanged.
A strong performance at Pittsburgh becomes essential, not only to stay in contention but to take advantage of any potential shake-up during championship week. Miami is still alive, but there is no room for error from here.
Initial Injury Report for the Hurricanes vs Panthers Game
Miami enters the matchup against Pittsburgh with a long list of unavailable players, but also a few encouraging updates. Several defensive pieces will remain sidelined. Cornerback Keionte Scott and linebacker Malik Bryant are out, removing two important players from the rotation.
Defensive lineman Hayden Lowe is also unavailable, weakening Miami’s front and forcing more responsibility onto the remaining linemen. The offense will miss wideout Tony Johnson and tight ends Brock Schott and Jack Nickel, leaving the Hurricanes thin at the skill positions and limiting their flexibility in the passing game.
Defensive back Charles Brantley will also be out, adding another hole to the secondary. There is some positive news. Linebacker Kellen Wiley Jr. is listed as probable and should be able to return to the field.
— Canes Warning (@CanesWarningFS) November 28, 2025
Pittsburgh faces a heavier list of players ruled out. Their defense will be without linemen Zach Crothers and Denim Cook, as well as linebackers Nick Lapi and Jeremiah Marcelin. The secondary also loses Nigel Maynard, and the offense is without running back Jaylin Brown and multiple linemen, including Keith Gouveia.
The Panthers have more than a few concerns. Several players remain questionable, including Desmond Reid, Sean FitzSimmons, and kicker Trey Butkowski.
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