The Miami Hurricanes football program has struggled recently, with only one bowl game victory since 2007. However, during the turn of the 21st century, Miami dominated the college football world, winning 46 games from 2000 to 2003. The Hurricanes won three New Year’s Six bowl games during that span, headlined by a BCS Championship in 2001. Largely considered one of the greatest college football teams of all time, the ’01 Hurricanes housed numerous eventual NFL superstars, and on Monday, two of the stars from that team joined a list of 77 players selected for the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame ballot.
The College Football Hall of Fame announced their ballot for the 2025 voting cycle on Monday, with four former Hurricanes, including quarterback Ken Dorsey and safety Sean Taylor, up for consideration. Alongside Dorsey and Taylor, Miami is represented by former linebacker Darrin Smith and head coach Larry Coker. Smith won 1991 Big East Defensive Player of the Year, while with the help of Dorsey and Taylor, Coker helped lead the Canes to an undefeated 2001 campaign.
Former Miami Hurricanes Football QB Ken Dorsey: Leader of 2001 Miami Hurricanes
Despite lacking the profile of most highly recruited prospects, Dorsey landed with the Miami Hurricanes in 1999, where he would play four seasons. Dorsey played behind Kenny Kelly during his true freshman campaign, throwing for 807 yards and ten touchdowns against two picks. He became the full-time starter in 2000, posting a super-efficient 2,737 yards and 25 touchdowns against five interceptions. Miami went 11-1, winning the Sugar Bowl in Butch Davis’ final season at the helm. Dorsey won bowl game MVP for his efforts.
Miami quarterback Ken Dorsey, linebacker Darrin Smith, defensive back Sean Taylor and coach Larry Coker were named to the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame ballot.
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) June 3, 2024
Dorsey took a significant step forward in 2001, with Miami going 12-0 and winning the BCS Championship over the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The California native recorded 2,652 yards and 23 touchdowns while winning the Maxwell Award, Archie Griffin Award, and the Kellen Moore Award, an honor given to the best quarterback in the country. Dorsey finished third in Heisman Trophy Award voting. He returned in 2002, winning multiple awards while throwing for a career-high 3,369 yards and 28 touchdowns. He finished his career with the most passing touchdowns in Big East history.
Sean Taylor: Defensive Superstar with Miami Football
While Ken Dorsey led the offensive charge for the early 2000s Miami Hurricanes, safety Sean Taylor played a large part on defense. Despite his true freshman status in 2001, Taylor played a rotational role on defense, explicitly subbing in during five defensive back sets. Taylor entered a starting role circa 2002, earning second-team All-Big East honors after a four-interception campaign. He had 11 tackles and an interception during the team’s national title loss against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Taylor played his final season with the Miami Hurricanes in 2003. He led the nation with ten interceptions, posted 77 tackles, and earned first-team All-Big East honors. His historic season led to him winning the Jack Tatum Trophy and Big East Defensive Player of the Year Award. Taylor was also named a unanimous All-American.
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