- Head Coach: Mario Cristobal (fourth season)
- 2024 Record: 10-3 (lost Pop-Tarts Bowl)
- Strength of Schedule: 36th
- PFF Projected Win Total: 9.5
- FanDuel Win Total: 9.5
2024 Recap
While Miami enjoyed its best season in seven years, 2024 still felt like the one that got away. Despite fielding the nation’s most efficient offense in terms of EPA per play and having future No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward at quarterback, the Hurricanes lost three games and missed out on both the ACC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff.
The biggest culprit was the secondary, which ranked just 67th in team coverage grade last season. Ward is now with the Tennessee Titans, but Miami landed a top-tier replacement in Georgia transfer Carson Beck. The No. 3-ranked quarterback in the country owns a 90.9 grade since 2023, the second-best among all returning FBS quarterbacks. If the Hurricanes can develop reliable pass-catchers and the revamped secondary takes a step forward, they’ll be a top contender in the ACC.
Biggest Strength: Trenches
Miami enters the season with both the No. 8 offensive line and No. 8 defensive line in college football. Offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and edge defender Rueben Bain Jr. each rank among the top five at their respective positions and project as potential top-15 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Biggest Weakness: Are the weapons there for Carson Beck to bounce back?
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