Miami Hurricanes, AJ Ciscar Eager to Start Season Strong

The team's first game against Lehigh is slated for Friday night.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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AJ Ciscar, a Weston, Florida native, will be the Friday night starter for the Miami Hurricanes baseball team this season. Ciscar made 10 starts and appeared 21 times on the mound last year, posting a 4.46 ERA with 65 strikeouts. After a near-miss from the College World Series last season, Ciscar and the rest of the Hurricanes are determined to make it to Omaha in 2026.

Why it matters

The Hurricanes are no longer flying under the radar, as Ciscar and reliever Ryan Bilka are ranked among the top players in the ACC. Miami will have a target on their back, but the team is ready to embrace the challenge and make a deep postseason run.

The details

Ciscar was a four-year letterman at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, where he struck out over 230 batters. Last season, he made the transition to being a setup man for the Hurricanes, and this year he'll take on the role of Friday night starter. Ciscar recounted the memories of the team's near-miss from the College World Series last season, and the Hurricanes are determined to not let that happen again.

  • The first pitch of the season is slated for Friday night against Lehigh.
  • The Hurricanes will have less than a month to get their feet underneath them before ACC play begins against Boston College on March 6.

The players

AJ Ciscar

A Weston, Florida native who was a four-year letterman at St. Thomas Aquinas High School and struck out over 230 batters during his high school career. He'll be the Friday night starter for the Miami Hurricanes this season.

Ryan Bilka

A reliever for the Miami Hurricanes who is ranked as the No. 6 overall relief pitcher in the ACC, according to D1baseball.com.

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What they’re saying

“You know, it's something that I didn't really expect to happen in my sophomore year, but I've just got to trust the process and go about my business the same way each and every day. It's a blessing to be here.”

— AJ Ciscar

“Obviously, we have a bad taste in our mouths from Louisville. You know, we were literally one run away, one out away, one big play away from making it to Omaha and achieving the goal that we had.”

— AJ Ciscar

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.