The Miami Hurricanes didn’t take the field this weekend, but they’re still climbing.

Following a much-needed bye week, the undefeated Hurricanes jumped from No. 4 to No. 3 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll, released Sunday afternoon.

Miami now sits behind No. 1 Georgia and No. 2 Notre Dame, while receiving two first-place votes. The Canes benefited from chaos around the country, most notably previously top-ranked Texas falling 27-24 to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry.

But for Mario Cristobal and company, the biggest victory this weekend may have come away from the football field.

A Much-Needed Break

After opening the season with five consecutive victories, Miami entered its bye week carrying plenty of momentum, but also a growing injury list.

The Hurricanes are coming off arguably their most impressive performance of the season, dismantling Clemson 41-13 in Death Valley. Miami’s defense recorded six sacks and held the Tigers to just 55 rushing yards, while Darian Mensah and Mark Fletcher Jr. led another productive offensive outing.

However, the physical nature of Miami’s opening five games has taken its toll.

The Hurricanes have already lost running back CharMar Brown and wide receiver Joshua Moore for the season, while several other key contributors have missed time.

Perhaps the biggest concern remains the secondary.

Starting cornerbacks OJ Frederique Jr. and Xavier Lucas have been sidelined since the season opener against Stanford, forcing Miami to rely heavily on its depth. The Hurricanes have also dealt with injuries along the offensive line and defensive front.

There is some encouraging news, though.

Fletcher and defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. returned against Clemson, while Lucas is expected to be evaluated for a potential return in the coming weeks.

For Miami, getting healthy before the second half of the season could prove just as important as anything happening on the field.

No. 3 In America

Miami’s climb to No. 3 comes without playing a single snap this weekend.

Georgia claimed the top spot following its 20-17 victory over Alabama, while Notre Dame moved to No. 2 after dismantling Stanford 58-7. Texas, previously ranked No. 1, dropped to No. 7 following its loss to Oklahoma.

The Hurricanes received 1,594 points in Sunday’s poll, maintaining their position as the ACC’s highest-ranked program.

Through five games, Miami has defeated Stanford, FAMU, Wake Forest, Central Michigan and Clemson, with its most recent victory proving the Canes can compete in one of college football’s toughest environments.

Mensah remains firmly in the Heisman conversation, Malachi Toney continues to establish himself as one of the nation’s premier playmakers, and Miami’s defense has consistently controlled the line of scrimmage.

The talent has never been in question.

Now, the results are speaking for themselves.

Rivalry Week Awaits

The Hurricanes won’t have much time to celebrate their new ranking.

Miami returns to Hard Rock Stadium next Saturday to face in-state rival Florida State, a matchup that always carries significance regardless of either team’s record.

With the Seminoles coming to town, the bye week provides Miami an opportunity to recover, address its mistakes and prepare for another physical battle.

The Hurricanes are undefeated, ranked No. 3 in America and firmly positioned in the National Championship conversation.

But the toughest stretch of the season is still ahead.

5-0. No. 3 in the country.

The Canes are getting healthier, and the climb continues.