Early Monday morning, massive news came out of Miami as junior running back Mark Fletcher will return for his senior season with the Hurricanes- rather than declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.
This news comes just two days after the biggest performance of Fletcher’s career with the ‘Canes, rushing for 172 yards off 17 carries, leading Miami to arguably the programs’ biggest win over the last 20 years over Texas A&M 10-3 in the first round of the 2025 College Football Playoffs.
The 6’2 225-pound back out of American Heritage has 375 carries for 1,978 yards and 24 touchdowns and counting so far in his Miami career, as the Hurricanes face the Ohio State Buckeyes on New Years Eve for a chance to take another step forward to a National Championship.
This season has been an emotional one for Fletcher as well, playing in his first full season following the loss of his father, Mark Fletcher Sr., in October last year. Playing in honor of his father, Fletcher has used that source of grief as motivation, dedicating his play to his father’s memory.
Fletcher’s impact for the Hurricanes goes beyond the stats and impact on the field, but he’s solidified himself as the heart and soul of the Hurricanes offense. Following Malachi Toney’s fumble late in the game Saturday, Fletcher came to him when he needed most, lifting him upright leading to Toney scoring the game winning touchdown.
As Fletcher looks to finish his junior season on a high note, he prepares for his final collegiate season; expectations are high both for his personal success and the Hurricanes going into 2026. Fletcher currently ranks 9th among the Hurricanes all-time rushing touchdown leaders, and with more time remaining in 2025, Fletcher will look to break that among other records in his final season.
Cover Photo Credits: Christian Proscia, NewEraPrep
