Hurricanes Earn First NCAA Championship Berth in Program History
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – After posting a top-five finish at last weekend’s ACC Championship, the 13th-ranked Miami Hurricanes rowing team has earned an at-large berth in the 2026 NCAA Division I rowing championships, the NCAA selection committee announced Tuesday evening.
It marks the first time in program history Miami has qualified for the NCAA Championships, which this year will be held May 29-31 at Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville, Georgia.
The Hurricanes, who have notched eight wins over top 25 opponents this season and four wins over top 15 opponents, were tabbed the No. 13 seed in the first varsity eight, the No. 11 seed in the second varsity eight, and the No. 16 seed in the varsity four.
Miami was one of 12 teams nationally to receive an at-large berth in this year’s championships, joining 10 automatic qualifiers in the 22-team field.
Tuesday’s NCAA selection marks another milestone for the Hurricanes, who have put together a historic season under fourth-year head coach James Mulcahy.
Miami has set nine school records across multiple boats this year, including most recently, the first varsity eight, which posted a time of 6:17.64 to beat Clemson, Louisville and Notre Dame during its qualifying heat at last week’s conference championship regatta.
The Hurricanes also achieved a new program high on Tuesday when they were ranked 13th in the most recent Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Coaches Poll.
“They’re pioneers,” Mulcahy said. “This is an incredible bunch. They work so hard for us, and to see them have that moment where your name gets called, that’s one of the best moments you can have as an athlete in the NCAA. For them to get their names called, and to have so many supporters from the athletic department here, that’s an all-time Miami rowing moment.”
