The top 25 matchup between No. 5 Miami and No. 18 USF was one of the most anticipated games of the Saturday slate, as the two in-state programs looked to gain early positioning in the College Football Playoff race.
However, the game was delayed early in the second quarter. Here’s everything you need to know about how long the suspension will last and what caused it.
Why Miami-USF Was Suspended, and How Long It Will Last?
The Miami-USF game was suspended with 13:45 left in the second quarter due to a lightning strike near Hard Rock Stadium. The official Hurricanes Football X account informed fans of the suspension at 5:26 p.m. ET.
We have detected lightning in the vicinity of @HardRockStadium and have gone into a weather delay.
Fans, please seek shelter within the concourses. Thank you.
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 13, 2025
According to NCAA rules, if lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius of a college football game, play must be suspended for 30 minutes. This means the earliest the game could resume is 5:56 p.m. ET.
#UPDATE: Hard Rock officials have announced that the game will resume play at 7:07 p.m. ET.
How to Watch USF-Miami: TV Channel, Streaming, Date, Time, More for the South Florida Showdown
The Hurricanes are currently up 14-3 over the Bulls, with quarterback Carson Beck throwing two first-quarter touchdowns to build the lead.
After transferring from Georgia to Miami this offseason, Beck has looked like his 2023 self and one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He led Miami to a week one victory over Notre Dame and a dominating win over Bethune-Cookman last week.
USF has started the season with two impressive wins. In their season opener, they defeated the reigning Group of Six champion, the Boise State Broncos, followed by an impressive upset victory over the No. 13–ranked Florida Gators.
The Bulls are now ranked No. 18 and are looking to pull off another upset over the Hurricanes. The rain delay could provide a reset for USF, as they were struggling early in this matchup. When play resumes, USF will have the ball, down 11 points and looking to mount a comeback.
