Willis McGahee’s tenure with the Miami Hurricanes solidified his status as one of college football’s most formidable running backs in the early 2000s.

After redshirting his first year, McGahee emerged as a key contributor during the 2001 season, playing a pivotal role in Miami’s National Championship victory over Nebraska in the 2002 Rose Bowl.

The 2002 season marked a historic high point for McGahee and the Hurricanes. He set multiple school records, amassing 1,753 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on 282 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. His performance not only earned him consensus All-American honors but also a fourth-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting.

One of McGahee’s most memorable performances came against Virginia Tech on December 7, 2002, where he rushed for 205 yards and six touchdowns, setting a Big East record for touchdowns in a single game.

Tragically, McGahee’s collegiate career was marred by a severe knee injury during the 2003 Fiesta Bowl National Championship Game against Ohio State, where he tore his ACL, PCL, and MCL. Despite this setback, his remarkable contributions had already left an indelible mark on the Hurricanes’ legacy.

In total, McGahee’s college career statistics include 2,067 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns over two seasons, underscoring his significant impact on Miami’s football prominence during his tenure.