The Miami Hurricanes are 3-0, but they’ll enter Week 4 one spot lower in the national rankings.

Miami dropped from No. 5 to No. 6 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll released Sunday afternoon, following the Hurricanes 33-20 road victory over Wake Forest.

The Canes now sit behind No. 1 Texas, No. 2 Georgia, No. 3 Notre Dame, No. 4 Ole Miss and No. 5 Indiana. Miami received 1,445 points in the poll along with one first-place vote.

A Win, But A Drop

Miami looked nearly unstoppable through the opening half against Wake Forest.

Darian Mensah started the night by completing his first 24 passes, finishing 30-of-34 for 220 yards and three touchdowns. Malachi Toney continued his incredible start to the season as well, hauling in 12 receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown.

The Hurricanes eventually built a commanding 31-7 advantage before the offense lost its rhythm in the second half. Wake Forest cut into the lead, but Miami ultimately walked out of Winston-Salem with a 33-20 victory.

It wasn’t Miami’s cleanest performance, but a conference road win is a conference road win.

Injuries Starting To Pile Up

Perhaps the biggest concern coming out of Winston-Salem wasn’t the final score, but Miami’s growing injury list.

The Hurricanes entered Friday already without defensive backs OJ Frederique, Xavier Lucas and Ja’Boree Antoine, leaving Miami thin in the secondary. Frederique has been sidelined since suffering a significant injury against Stanford, while Lucas is expected to miss additional time.

Things only got worse against Wake Forest.

Running back CharMar “Marty” Brown was forced out after breaking loose for a 32-yard run, while Mark Fletcher Jr. and Malachi Toney were among other Hurricanes who dealt with injuries during the night. Ahmad Moten Sr. also briefly exited before eventually returning.

Miami has one of the deepest rosters in college football, but that depth is already being tested just three games into the season.

Still Among College Football’s Elite

Miami’s drop also had plenty to do with movement around the country.

Ole Miss made one of the biggest statements near the top, defeating No. 7 LSU 32-24 and jumping to No. 4. Indiana now sits directly ahead of Miami at No. 5.

Despite falling one spot, the Hurricanes remain firmly inside the national picture.

Through three games, Miami has defeated Stanford 45-6, FAMU 77-7 and Wake Forest 33-20. Mensah has quickly established himself as one of the nation’s premier quarterbacks, while Toney continues to strengthen his case as one of college football’s most dangerous playmakers.

The Canes probably would’ve preferred to stay inside the top five, but September rankings won’t define this season.