Mario Cristobal went home a happy man after his team beat city rivals Florida on Sunday. Miami’s dominant 26–7 win showed they won’t be underestimated this season. It also meant a 4-0 start to the season for Miami, something Cristobal would be proud of. Moreover, it might not be the only victory the Canes will have over the Gators this season. Recent reports suggest that they could swoop in on a Florida-linked wide receiver.

The Gators are eyeing a touted WR under Billy Napier’s nose, fresh off Sunday’s win. Florida locked in 6’5″ wideout Marquez Daniel with his June commitment. Ranked No. 133 overall, he continues to draw interest from both Florida and Auburn. But interest from the Canes could flip the script for Daniel. Speaking on the Rivals podcast on Sunday, analyst Steven Wagner said that Marquez has turned into “a guy Miami is going all in for,” making him a top priority for the Gators. “I had the chance to catch up with him after the game, and he told me Florida’s still his number one. He’s locked in with the Gators, but Miami is his number two and Auburn is his number three,” added Wagner. Mario Cristobal, who is looking to strengthen his team, will be happy with the revelation.

Daniel hasn’t confirmed anything, but Miami is clearly on his mind. Wagner pointed out that Daniel did say that he wants to take an official visit to Miami, which could be a positive sign for the Canes. “(Daniel) was not someone that we were previously anticipating, but the fact that he’s down here now definitely speaks to the fact that Miami is very much alive in this recruitment,” Wagner said. Mario Cristobal would be looking to recruit the wide receiver to make a team nobody would want to play against.

Miami has been dishing out losses to Florida both on and off the field. They also successfully persuaded Jalen Waters to join their 2026 recruiting class. Waters had been linked to Florida first, but an offer from Miami changed his mind. Well, considering the rate of growth shown by the team, it is hard for players to refuse their offer. It’s just unlucky for Florida to be at the end of it. “I would say the Hurricanes are an outright threat to the Gator. If I were Florida, I would be very, very nervous about Miami,” said Wagner, capturing the gist of the issue.

If Miami does end up recruiting Marquez Daniel from Florida, it could mean the end of Billy Napier’s reign. Napier, who is already walking on thin ice, could see another one of his targets join his rival team. It would speak volumes about Napier’s influence in general compared to Cristobal, who seems to be walking on water.

Mario Cristobal’s Miami is on a generational run

Miami has been on fire this season. The 4-0 start to their season has placed them in second position in the ACC conference. Their season opener against Notre Dame was close, but the rest of the fixtures have been rather easy. They have played as a strong defensive unit against the likes of Bethune-Cookman, USF, and Florida. It is safe to assume that Miami is a serious threat this season. But how did they become this strong? Well, the answer isn’t a simple one.

Miami’s defense has been rock solid this season. They are one of eight teams that have played at least four games and allowed no more than five touchdowns. Ruben Bain Jr.‘s defensive prowess has been on point so far. He sets the tone for Miami at the back and relieves pressure, allowing the offense to play its game.

Their offense has been a talking point this season, and for good reason. Mark Fletcher Jr. and CharMar Brown have been causing trouble in the opposition’s end. Add that to Carson Beck‘s influential game-making. His decision-making has improved, and he usually looks to make plays that are crucial for his team, rather than chasing personal glory.

Miami’s success comes not from a fairytale run, but from discipline and hunger. Mario Cristobal is building a contender, and if Miami keeps this up, its ceiling could be limitless. He would be looking to extend Miami’s win streak against Florida State in October after a bye next week.