It was the Hurricanes' 77th season of football and 12th as a member of the Big East Conference.

The Hurricanes were led by second-year head coach Larry Coker and played their home games at the Orange Bowl.

They were invited to the Fiesta Bowl, which served as the BCS National Championship Game, and lost against Ohio State, 31–24, in double overtime.

Many of the starters left for the NFL, but a few key players, including quarterback Ken Dorsey, wide receiver Andre Johnson, and linebackers Jonathan Vilma and D. J. Williams returned.

Despite the loss of numerous starters, Miami was still ranked 1st in the preseason coaches poll.