Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. has always been one of Mario Cristobal’s favorite players. He even called the player the heart and soul of the program. Now, even after a narrow Natty loss, Fletcher addressed 7,000 fans at Watsco Center and made a fearless pledge hinting at a bold bounce-back in 2026.

“I don’t have much to say and all that, but tonight is really not about us; we appreciate the honor, and it’s about the best of our team,” said Fletcher Jr. “But we appreciate all of your support all season, and next season we will make sure we finish it for you all.”

The Watsco Center was electric with 7,355 in orange as the Miami men’s basketball program was set to play the formidable UNC. Miami controlled the game from the tipoff and ended with a shocking 75-66 victory against North Carolina. This victory brought an end to their two-year drought over a ranked opponent since Clemson on Jan. 3, 2024. And Fletcher and his team were lucky to be part of the grand evening.

During the break, the Hurricanes got their moment as the football program was celebrated in front of thousands. Cristobal and Fletcher stepped up to energize the crowd. From Fletcher’s words, one could feel the blaze inside him. The promise he made isn’t a small one. He had it in the bag even this year.

Mark Fletcher was truly the difference maker for Miami in 2025. Fans can argue that if it weren’t for him, Miami would not have made that magical run to the national championship game. Fletcher led the entire ACC with 1192 rushing yards on 216 carries. He also punched in 12 touchdowns with a sweet 5.5 yards per carry.

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But when the College Football Playoffs came, he went absolutely nuclear. Across the four playoff games, he racked up 507 rushing yards at nearly 7 yards per carry. He had a career-high 172-yard game against Texas A&M and then followed it up by a 90-yard game against OSU’s defense. And finally, he got two crucial second-half touchdowns in the championship game, keeping the fight alive.

The Natty loss stings Fletcher even more after his standout performance. He carried the ball 17 times for a game-high 112 yards. Fletcher’s highlight moment came with a 57-yard touchdown. After that, on the first play of the fourth quarter, Fletcher gifted the Hurricanes a 3-yard touchdown, capping a 112-yard rushing day. Wrapping it up, he ran towards the camera, sealing the moment with a heartfelt “Jesus Loves Us” in sign language.

While his dreams did not come true in 2025, what are the projections for running back for the 2026 season?

ESPN’s spotlight on Mark Fletcher Jr. 

Aside from starting quarterback Carson Beck, who will be replaced by Duke transfer Darian Mensah, Miami will return nearly the entire cast of running backs and wide receivers from their CFP run. Back from last season, Fletcher Jr. is the heartbeat of Miami’s 2026 offense; no one else comes close.

Leading the ACC with 1,192 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 216 carries shows his consistency and durability. Averaging 5.5 yards per attempt highlights his explosiveness. Add 140 receiving yards and two more touchdowns on 17 catches, and it’s clear Fletcher isn’t just a traditional rusher. 

“Fletcher turned heads with his performance in the College Football Playoff,” ESPN’s Andrea Adelson wrote. “If he continues on the upward trajectory he showed late in the season, Fletcher has the potential to be a 1,500-yard back.”

He was left out of last year’s top 10, where he ranked 75th. But in 2026, ESPN’s Adelson believes he is ready to rise as one of the nation’s elite. After pledging in front of 7,000 fans, Mark Fletcher Jr. faces the real test, turning that promise into performance on the field.