The University of Miami Hurricanes was once known as a fierce, unbeatable team that dominated opponents, won national championships, and was an NFL talent factory. That, sadly, is ancient history. And things seem to have gotten appreciably worse during the Al Golden era.

But no worries, Canes fans.

A new season, some new starters, and a talented quarterback in Brad Kaaya are all here to rekindle the hope at long last.

The Hurricanes are determined to become that feared football program that teams like the Gators will petition to not play against.

That, or continue to be a laughingstock to the rest of college football after some, let's call them bizarre, photos recently leaked online. 

The Canes recently had a photo shoot in which they got into some interesting poses. And while it looks like a couple of college-aged guys having some fun and being silly, it's clear that the U's biggest rivals now have some juicy material with which to crap all over Miami.

Sure, we suppose a football photo shoot should have guys sneering at the camera with a menacing glare.

Or, they can reenact a scene from Titanic.

Whatever gets your motor running for Saturday afternoon. 

In all fairness, this Canes team looks like a fun bunch. And they seem to be taking to the new season's official hashtag of #OurTeam, being goofy, hanging out, and doing things that college kids do. Maybe it'll make them a better football team (probably not).

Either way, after these recent photos, it's definitely a new era in Canes football.

• South Florida Sports