CORAL GABLES, FL — The Miami Hurricanes are charging into the 2026 college football season with renewed vigor and a fresh face on their coaching staff: Favian Upshaw, the team’s new running backs coach. After making his mark in the NFL, most recently with the Denver Broncos, Upshaw arrives in Coral Gables armed with professional-level insight and a determined mindset, ready to elevate an already talented backfield.
It’s a pivotal moment for the Hurricanes, who are coming off an electrifying run to the 2025 National Championship game. With Upshaw at the helm of the running backs room, the team is looking to turn last year’s success into sustained dominance.
From NFL Sidelines to College Gridirons
Favian Upshaw’s NFL experience is no small matter. His time with the Denver Broncos wasn’t just a résumé builder—it was a crucible. Helping guide the Broncos to an 11-game win streak after a shaky 1-2 start taught him lessons in resilience, adaptability, and what it takes to succeed at the highest level of football.
“Honestly, I would say if I were to have interviewed for this job a year ago, I wouldn’t have been ready,” Upshaw admitted. “The run [the Broncos] had this past year, kind of being resilient… made me a better coach. You have to take it up a notch each week.”
That “take it up a notch” mentality is exactly what he plans to bring to Coral Gables. College football may not have the glitz of the NFL, but the stakes are just as high—and Upshaw knows it.
Mark Fletcher Jr.: The Backbone of the Backfield
If there’s one player who embodies the heart and soul of the Hurricanes’ running back corps, it’s senior Mark Fletcher Jr. Already a standout on the field, Fletcher has made an equally strong impression on his new coach.
“He’s one of the best humans I’ve ever met, and I truly mean that,” Upshaw said. “He’s a true leader. He does everything the right way. He doesn’t just talk it. He also walks it. So, he’s easy to follow as far as the guys go, and I’m looking forward to this year for him.”
Fletcher isn’t just a leader—he’s the glue holding the team together. In a sport where locker rooms can be as chaotic as the action on the field, his steady presence has helped stabilize the Hurricanes through their ups and downs.
Depth and Development: A Dangerous Combination
Let’s not forget the rest of Miami’s running back room. This isn’t a one-man show. With a rotation that remains intact from last year’s championship run, the Hurricanes boast one of the deepest and most talented backfields in the country.
But Upshaw isn’t content with simply maintaining the status quo. He’s made it clear that his focus is on refinement and growth.
“They’re not finished products,” he explained. “My thing is trying to make these guys better, figuring out what they’re not as good in, and bringing a different perspective.”
As a former quarterback, Upshaw offers a unique lens through which his players can view the game. By teaching them to better understand defensive schemes and think strategically, he’s aiming to add layers to their already impressive skill sets.
The Culture Shift Under Cristobal
The Hurricanes’ recent resurgence isn’t just about athletic talent—it’s about the culture. Since taking over as head coach, Mario Cristobal has worked tirelessly to instill a sense of accountability, integrity, and leadership in his players.
Upshaw sees this cultural shift as the foundation for Miami’s return to national prominence.
“Human character has been the biggest reason the Hurricanes have been able to return to relevance,” Upshaw remarked.
It’s a simple but powerful formula: talent plus character equals success. And with Fletcher leading the charge and Upshaw guiding the running backs, the Hurricanes seem to have both in abundance.
Looking Ahead
The Miami Hurricanes’ decision to tap into NFL expertise isn’t just a bold move—it’s a sign of the times. College programs across the country are increasingly looking to professional-level coaching to gain an edge.
As the Hurricanes prepare for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on how Upshaw’s NFL experience translates to the college game. Can his insights and adaptability elevate Miami’s running backs to new heights?
With a deep pool of talent, a culture of accountability, and a coach who knows what it takes to win, the Hurricanes are poised for another championship run.
The road won’t be easy. But with Upshaw in the backfield and Fletcher leading the charge, Miami fans have every reason to believe their team is ready to storm the gates of college football once again. up at the college level.
For Miami, this isn’t just about adding talent—it’s about direction. This is a program that’s been very intentional about stacking recruiting wins, especially at key positions, and quarterback is the one spot that defines everything else. You get that right, and suddenly your offense has an identity. You get it wrong, and you’re constantly trying to patch holes. Abrams gives them a foundation piece, someone you can realistically build around in the coming years.
There’s also something to be said about pulling the top player out of Illinois. That’s not backyard recruiting—that’s going into another region, identifying elite talent, and winning that battle. It tells you Miami’s reach is expanding, and recruits are paying attention.
Now, of course, 2027 is still down the road. Development matters. Fit matters. A lot can change. But when you stack the traits—arm strength, mobility, composure, leadership—you start to see why there’s real anticipation around this commitment.
Miami fans have seen big names come through before, but every so often there’s a recruit who feels like he could shift the trajectory if everything clicks. Israel Abrams is starting to feel like one of those guys. And if that development curve keeps pointing up, this won’t just be a recruiting win people remember—it’ll be the moment they point back to and say, “That’s where it started.”
