If there’s one thing the Miami Hurricanes are known for, it’s the long list of larger-than-life players who went on to become Hall of Famers, not only in college football but in the NFL.
Just watching Miami’s latest College Football Playoff run, the sideline has been filled with familiar faces — Ray Lewis, Andre Johnson, Edgerrin James, Greg Olsen, and, of course, Michael Irvin, who is often seen yelling from the sideline, hunched over and cheering on his alma mater, in only a way “The Playmaker” could get away with.
All of them left their mark on “The U” in different ways and continue to acknowledge the unrivaled brotherhood that has long defined the program.
Naturally, many of Miami’s former stars are thrilled to see the Hurricanes back where they believe they belong — competing for a national championship.
That includes perhaps the program’s most recognizable alum: former WWE superstar turned actor Dwayne Johnson.
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Johnson has never wavered in his support of Miami, even during the program’s leaner years. He has frequently shown his backing through public appearances and social media posts.
In 2022, Johnson donated $1 million to Miami athletics, with the football locker room now bearing his name as the “Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Locker Room,” according to ESPN.
With the Hurricanes preparing to face Indiana in the national championship game, many wondered when Johnson might weigh in.
While attending the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, Johnson spoke with Entertainment Tonight and finally addressed Miami’s season.
“I can’t wait,” Johnson said. “I’m so proud of them, by the way. I’m so proud of Mario Cristobal, the work he’s doing. That was my teammate when we were back there. We won national championships together. So, I can’t wait to watch the game. I’m proud of my boys.”
Johnson was part of Miami’s 1991 national championship team and enjoyed a modest on-field career with the Hurricanes. He appeared in 39 games, made one start, and finished with 77 total tackles and 4.25 sacks.
“I played for The U, we had a great team back then,” Johnson said. “Ray Lewis, Warren Sapp… I played for three national championships. We won one, we lost two.”
Johnson is now busy with his work in Hollywood and various business ventures, but he would likely be a welcomed presence on the Miami sideline on January 19 if his schedule allows.
Miami’s Path to National Championship
As recently as December, Miami wasn’t sure it would even make the College Football Playoff. The Hurricanes had to wait until Selection Day to see their name appear as the final at-large team, earning the No. 10 seed.
For weeks, Miami watched Notre Dame Fighting Irish remain ranked ahead of them despite identical records and the Hurricanes’ head-to-head Week 1 victory over Notre Dame.
The Hurricanes then rattled off victories over No. 7 Texas A&M in the first round, No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl and No. 6 Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl.
Now, Miami sits one win away from a national championship. A victory over Indiana on its home field at Hard Rock Stadium would deliver the Hurricanes their sixth national title and their first since the 2001 season.
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