CJ Daniels delivers a highlight-reel moment as Miami edges Notre Dame in Week 1
In a back-and-forth Week 1 showdown with Notre Dame, Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels may have delivered the catch of the year. With 18 seconds left in the second quarter, the Hurricanes staked a 14-7 lead when Daniels climbed the ladder and snatched a high pass from quarterback Carson Beck for a one-handed touchdown, avoiding two Notre Dame defensive backs along the sideline.
Daniels, a first-year transfer who began his career at Liberty before moving to LSU and then Miami, turned in a productive first half. He finished the opening 30 minutes with three receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown. The sixth-year receiver also brings with him two extra years of eligibility earned during COVID-19 waivers and a redshirt year in 2022, giving Miami a seasoned target as they reshape their receiving corps.
Beck, who is handling the Hurricanes’ quarterback duties following Cam Ward’s departure to the NFL, looked sharp in the opening half. He completed 13 of 20 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns, showing chemistry with Daniels and the rest of a Miami offense that has faced only a partial transition at the position. Beck is trying to translate the health he showed after shoulder surgery that limited him last season at Georgia into steady production for the Hurricanes.
Another layer to Daniels’ impact is his proven ability to produce in big spots. Last season at LSU, he finished the year with 42 receptions for 480 yards, though he didn’t reach the end zone. Through one half against Notre Dame, he already signaled that he can be a difference-maker for Miami not just in Week 1, but throughout the season.
Social media quickly lit up over Daniels’ one-handed grab, with fans and analysts praising his athleticism and the timing of the play. The highlight serves as a reminder that Miami’s offense can generate explosive plays even as the team adjusts to new personnel and schemes in the post-Cam Ward era.
What this means moving forward: Daniels’ early impact could energize Miami’s receiving group and give Beck a comfortable option outside the numbers as they navigate a challenging schedule. If Daniels can sustain this form and the rest of the corps continues to develop chemistry with Beck, Miami’s offense could be poised for a strong season launch.
Summary: CJ Daniels’ spectacular one-handed touchdown catch against Notre Dame underscored Miami’s emerging pass-game potential and added a memorable chapter to a Week 1 performance that also showcased Carson Beck’s early rhythm and a veteran presence in the receiving corps.
Analyst note: This early connection between Daniels and Beck bodes well for Miami’s continued growth through the early part of the season, especially as the Hurricanes face a schedule that tests both aerial and ground games. If this level of play is sustainable, Miami fans have reason to be optimistic about the offense’s floor and ceiling this year.