Four Hurricanes Named to Midseason All-American Teams and More Highlighted on Multiple Award Watchlists

The Miami Hurricanes Football program has had an eventful start to the 2023 season, with highs and lows that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. After opening the season with an impressive 4-0 record, the team has recently faced setbacks, losing their last two games. However, as we reach the midway point of the season, accolades and recognition are pouring in, placing the Hurricanes in the spotlight of college football. Some of Miami’s standout players have landed on prestigious watchlists, and a quartet have earned the title of Midseason All-Americans.

The University of Miami received significant recognition as one of just 23 programs represented on the Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll, an announcement made by The Foundation for Teamwork on Tuesday morning.

The Joe Moore Award, dedicated to honoring the best offensive line in college football, is named after Joe Moore, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive line coaches in the history of the sport.

Miami’s offensive line has been a cornerstone of the team’s success, starting the same five linemen in their respective positions for each of the first six games of the season. This lineup includes LT Jalen Rivers, LG Javion Cohen, C Matt Lee, RG Anez Cooper, and RT Francis Mauigoa. Their consistent performance has contributed to Miami’s impressive offensive statistics, ranking among the best in college football during the first half of the year. The selection of semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award will be announced on November 14, with the finalists unveiled on December 5. The 2023 Joe Moore Award winner will be publicly announced after a surprise visit to the winning university’s campus in late December.

In addition to their collective recognition, three out of the five offensive linemen have earned individual accolades. Javion Cohen has joined defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III on the 2023 Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List. The Rotary Lombardi Award is presented annually to the college football offensive or defensive lineman who exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame Head Coach Vince Lombardi, in addition to outstanding performance and ability on the field.

Freshman offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa has earned a place on the 247 Sports Midseason Freshman All-American Team, as well as The Athletic’s Midseason Freshman All-American Team. Mauigoa has started in all six games for the Hurricanes this season and has played 385 total snaps. Freshman defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. has also been recognized on the 247 Sports Midseason Freshman All-American Team, along with The Athletic’s Midseason Freshman All-American Team. Bain Jr. has made a significant impact, playing in six games in total and starting in the last four games. He has produced a freshman-leading 19 pressures in the nation, 2.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 9 tackles, and 1 forced fumble in 232 snaps.

Adding to the list of accomplished Hurricanes, offensive lineman Matt Lee secured a spot on The Athletic’s Midseason All-American Second Team. He is also the nation’s top-graded center according to Pro Football Focus while playing 379 total snaps this season. Wide receiver Brashard Smith was also recognized, earning a place on the CBS Sports Midseason All-American Team as a kick returner. Smith has returned 10 kickoffs this season for 346 yards and one touchdown, which went for 98 yards against Texas A&M. He’s averaging 34.6 yards per kickoff return. Smith has also shined as a receiver with 9 catches for 182 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 20.2 yards per catch in six games.