Looking back on the year that was in South Florida, I was struck by how much, or how little, has changed. Sure, there were surprises and triumphs (a hint at who’s #1, repeat after me) but those who were supposed to do well did so, while those who were aiming for something higher came up a bit short. In the parlance of the gambler, the chalk held. So with no further delay (and with a bow to the great David Letterman), we bring you our area’s top 10 sports stories for 2025.
10. Miami Marlins Bounce Back – sort of: OK, so finishing with a losing record for the eighth time in the last 10 years is hardly a reason to celebrate, but when you’re the perennial red-headed stepchild in South Florida sports franchises, a 79-83 record isn’t so bad. Really. New manager Clayton McCullough energized a corps of young players, led by Oriole trade prize OF Kyle Stowers and recently retained pitching ace Sandy Alcantera; it also means the front office isn’t conducting its usual fire sale.
They’ll improve, maybe not for the post-season, but they might just give you a reason to watch them after the All-Star game, and that’s a start.
9. Pat Riley turns 30 – sort of: I know, the Miami Maestro is 80 (80!), but if you jump in the time machine, he celebrated 30 years as the head man of the NBA Miami Heat last spring. And man, what a bargain Heat owner Mickey Arison made: four NBA titles, seven Finals appearances and a memorable cast of superstars, and regular Joes, who’ve made the Heat the area’s preeminent sports franchise. I’ve argued before in this space, but it bears repeating: Pat Riley is the second most important NBA basketball figure in the last 75 years, surpassed only by Boston’s Red Auerbach, who literally took the league from playing in barns to national TV.
8. Messi and Inter Miami – what a kick! Sure, soccer is still a niche sport in most of the country, but don’t tell that to the thousands of Inter Miami fans who live and die with the world’s greatest footballer hoofing it in their backyard. Lionel Messi led his squad to the MLS Cup championship – and that’s just a teaser. In April, they will move to their new stadium in Miami, and with the World Cup coming to our shores in 2026, whoosh! This is going to be a fun watch.
7. Florida Sports Hall of Fame: Most of the five names you will not recognize, but one certainly rings a bell for South Florida sports fans. Jim Leyland smoked opponents – and a lot of cigarettes – during his brief tenure with the Marlins. But in that time, he was a winner, skippering the 1997 team to its first World Series title. Financial decisions broke up that team, but it doesn’t diminish what he accomplished. Congrats.
6. UF Hoops is Tops: Granted, I’m biased but as a UF grad, anytime your school reaches the pinnacle, it’s noteworthy. Lead by third year head coach Todd Golden and an insane amount of talent, featuring player of the year finalist Walter Clayton, Jr, the Gators beat Houston 65-63 to win it all. Their third title in the last 20 years place them in a class with UConn, Duke and North Carolina. Not bad for a football school.
5. College Football Flops: Well, you take the good with the bad. As well as UF hoops did, that’s how bad Gator football was. They fired their coach, lost their franchise QB to the transfer portal, and stumbled to a 4-8 record. The only consolation? Archrival FSU was as bad, falling to a 5-7 record under embattled coach Terry Norvell. Florida hopes new man Jon Sumrall can turns things around; for FSU, there’s a lot of ???
4. The Kids are Alright: For some football fans, a silver lining could be found in the high school game; in that department, South Florida continues to show the way. Championships were celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas (5A), American Heritage Plantation (4A), and West Boca Raton (6A). An honorable mention goes to defending champion Miami Northwestern, who lost the 3A title by one point. Well done, men!
3. Mixed NFL results: Our state professionals were a decidedly mixed bag. Jacksonville’s Jaguars currently sit atop the AFC South and are playoff bound. In Tampa Bay, there is concern following some late season losses that endanger their postseason chances. And the Dolphins?
They were eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to Pittsburgh, and will have to wait another year to break their 25-year playoff drought.
2. Canes are Dynamite: Unlike their state brothers, Mario Cristobal’s Hurricanes rang up a 10-2 record while earning their first college football playoff berth versus Texas A&M.
The draw is challenging, but by the time you read this, Miami may very well be celebrating its showdown with Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. You never know. Either way, a tip of the cap to the Coral Gables boys, who are playing very well at the right time.
1. Panthers are Purr-fect: Was there any doubt what was the top sports story in 2025? A franchise, long forgotten, wins it all, and then repeats in dominant fashion. The Florida Panthers were the best hockey team last year. Period. This year, Coach Paul Maurice and the gang are off to a rough start, but never underestimate championship DNA. It has a way of showing up when you need it.
That’s it. Congratulations to the winners, and I hope your team was on the list! If not, there’s always next year.
Cheers!
