Influential means different things for different people.
The best teams don't always have the greatest impact on the program. Often, (especially with Miami), the season before the championship season may have the most influence on the next few seasons.
I've listed the teams that can be considered to have the greatest influence on the Miami Hurricanes football program.
It's an attempt to celebrate the far the program has come from its inception.
1926 - First season
This season is significant because it is just that—the first season. Some interesting context here is that the school wanted an on-campus stadium that season, but a Hurricane literally damaged those plans. Miami's first game was a 7-0 win over Rollins in front of just over 300 spectators.
1932 - First season that led to a bowl game
It was the first time Miami had a successful season and defeated Manhattan at Moore Park.
1954 - First top-ten finish
Head Coach Andy Gustafson led the Hurricanes to its first top-ten season and first legit national recognition.
1967 - First season with an African American player
Miami signed its first African-American player in 1966 and was the second major college program to do so. Ray Bellamy from Palmetto, FL
1980 - Schnellenberger makes his mark
Howard Schnellenberger assumed the head coaching position in 1979, but it was his second season that the program seemed to shift. Miami earned an invite to the Peach Bowl and defeated Virginia Tech to finish its season at 9-3.
1983 - First Championship season
Surely, this season will get many votes for the most influential season in the program's history. The year solidified Miami as a college football contender for many years afterward.
1986 - Testaverde Heisman season
This season is significant because, obviously, it brought forth the first Heisman trophy winner in Vinny Testaverde, but many consider this year the true birth of the swagger that is synonymous with the University of Miami football program. Jimmy Johnson made his mark as a coach this year as the powerhouse continued to build although the team failed to win a championship.
1987 - First undefeated season
The season set a standard for excellence under Johnson. It was clearly a redemption year from '87- Miami's second national championship.
1989 - New coach, another championship
Jimmy Johnson took his talents to the Dallas Cowboys but Dennis Erickson made history becoming the first coach to win a title at year one at a school. He also incorporated a single back offense that grew as staple formation for offenses in the sport.
1991 - Second undefeated season
Miami won its third title in a redemption year as the 90 team set statistical records but fell short of the ultimate goal, losing twice.
1998 - The U is back?
This season ended with a classic game against UCLA where Edgerrin James ran for 299 yards. Many consider this season a turning point in the program after years of playing below the standard due to being on probation for NCAA violations.
2000 - The U is back, but snubbed
The season was a return to glory season, and many believe that the team should have played for the national title. FSU played in the title game, and Miami defeated them earlier that season. The season had a large impact on what was to come.
2001 - Best team of all-time
Many consider the 2001 national championship team the best college football team ever. Having that title alone has a huge impact.
2016 - Richt comes home to rebuild program
This season is perhaps one of the most underrated season but it was a team that finally brought success that fans were used to. Miami won a bowl game for the first time in ten years and nine Hurricanes were selected in the 2017 NFL Draft.
2017 - Canes go 10-0
Richt's second season brought forth more success, and its first 10-0 season in quite some time. Miami was in the national championship conversation for the first time in over a decade and helped set a standard of what needs to be Miami Hurricanes football for future seasons.
The best teams don't always have the greatest impact on the program. Often, (especially with Miami), the season before the championship season may have the most influence on the next few seasons.
I've listed the teams that can be considered to have the greatest influence on the Miami Hurricanes football program.
It's an attempt to celebrate the far the program has come from its inception.
1926 - First season
This season is significant because it is just that—the first season. Some interesting context here is that the school wanted an on-campus stadium that season, but a Hurricane literally damaged those plans. Miami's first game was a 7-0 win over Rollins in front of just over 300 spectators.
1932 - First season that led to a bowl game
It was the first time Miami had a successful season and defeated Manhattan at Moore Park.
1954 - First top-ten finish
Head Coach Andy Gustafson led the Hurricanes to its first top-ten season and first legit national recognition.
1967 - First season with an African American player
Miami signed its first African-American player in 1966 and was the second major college program to do so. Ray Bellamy from Palmetto, FL
1980 - Schnellenberger makes his mark
Howard Schnellenberger assumed the head coaching position in 1979, but it was his second season that the program seemed to shift. Miami earned an invite to the Peach Bowl and defeated Virginia Tech to finish its season at 9-3.
1983 - First Championship season
Surely, this season will get many votes for the most influential season in the program's history. The year solidified Miami as a college football contender for many years afterward.
1986 - Testaverde Heisman season
This season is significant because, obviously, it brought forth the first Heisman trophy winner in Vinny Testaverde, but many consider this year the true birth of the swagger that is synonymous with the University of Miami football program. Jimmy Johnson made his mark as a coach this year as the powerhouse continued to build although the team failed to win a championship.
1987 - First undefeated season
The season set a standard for excellence under Johnson. It was clearly a redemption year from '87- Miami's second national championship.
1989 - New coach, another championship
Jimmy Johnson took his talents to the Dallas Cowboys but Dennis Erickson made history becoming the first coach to win a title at year one at a school. He also incorporated a single back offense that grew as staple formation for offenses in the sport.
1991 - Second undefeated season
Miami won its third title in a redemption year as the 90 team set statistical records but fell short of the ultimate goal, losing twice.
1998 - The U is back?
This season ended with a classic game against UCLA where Edgerrin James ran for 299 yards. Many consider this season a turning point in the program after years of playing below the standard due to being on probation for NCAA violations.
2000 - The U is back, but snubbed
The season was a return to glory season, and many believe that the team should have played for the national title. FSU played in the title game, and Miami defeated them earlier that season. The season had a large impact on what was to come.
2001 - Best team of all-time
Many consider the 2001 national championship team the best college football team ever. Having that title alone has a huge impact.
2016 - Richt comes home to rebuild program
This season is perhaps one of the most underrated season but it was a team that finally brought success that fans were used to. Miami won a bowl game for the first time in ten years and nine Hurricanes were selected in the 2017 NFL Draft.
2017 - Canes go 10-0
Richt's second season brought forth more success, and its first 10-0 season in quite some time. Miami was in the national championship conversation for the first time in over a decade and helped set a standard of what needs to be Miami Hurricanes football for future seasons.
