Just a year ago, ’Canes fans eagerly awaited the Hurricanes to kick off their opening game against Florida, ready to see their new-look team shaped by the transfer portal take the field in a pivotal year for Head Coach Mario Cristobal.
By all accounts the offense was an absolute success (first in total yards and points per game), boasting a Heisman candidate in QB Cam Ward and veteran weapons across the board.
And yet with all this firepower, UM ended up with nothing to show for it.
Two losses late in the season ended the ’Canes playoff and ACC championship hopes, resulting in an appearance in the Pop-Tart Bowl which Miami still fell short in.
The 2024 Hurricanes unfortunately followed the same path as the 2017 Hurricanes who missed the CFP with two late ACC losses. The 2018 Hurricanes continued the downward spiral as they fell to a 7-6 record which marked the end of the Mark Richt era. Miami cannot afford a repeat of the 17-18 cycle in 2025.
This season needs to break away from the trends, end the “Miami can’t win in November” narrative and continue the progress coach Cristobal has made every year.
And in year four of the Cristobal era, he’s brought together a squad that can do just that.
Old-school offense
Last year’s offense was generational, something that no team can repeat in back-to-back years, especially when a team loses nearly all of their skill positions to the NFL via the draft and free agency.
The staff understood the challenge they faced, and rather than try and replicate, they focused on elevating the floor of the team.
At the core, this is a run-first team with one of the greatest offensive line rooms in Hurricane history to protect electric running backs in Mark Fletcher Jr. and Jordan Lyle.
This team can run the ball at will, any time and any place — so the staff brought in veteran pieces to complement the run-game.
Georgia transfer QB Carson Beck fits the scheme perfectly, a quarterback who has all the talent in the world, but is willing to let the run game shine . He’s consistently shown his complementary nature to high powered run games at Georgia, and can replicate that at Miami.
He’s throwing to other veteran transfers with WR CJ Daniels and TE Alex Baumann, who both have demonstrated clear chemistry with Beck throughout fall camp.
And while this team has a high floor just off the veteran play, the ceiling is completely untapped with the rise of young talent.
Wideout Joshisa Trader has all the tools to take the next step during his sophomore year alongside fellow sophomore Elija Lofton who is truly a “swiss army knife” at the tight end position.
Add in the budding freshman wide receiver pair of Malachi Toney and Josh Moore, it becomes clear that Miami has true depth and talent across the board.
While it may not be as flashy as the Cam Ward led offense last year, this offensive roster can still find ways to dominate the opposition.
A revamped defense
Even before getting into the talent on the defensive side of the ball, it’s worth mentioning the coaching changes that have occurred.
Former Minnesota defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman was hired for the same role in Coral Gables and has had nothing but glowing praise from the players.
“Well, we’re communicating a lot better. I think guys are starting to build a lot more chemistry,” said sixth-year senior DE Akheem Mesidor. I love this defense, it’s simple. I get to go inside and out, I’m so happy.”
“Simple” is the word consistently used by players and staff alike whenever they refer to Hetherman’s scheme.
Too often, we’d see miscommunication across the defensive levels last season under former DC Lance Guidry, which left players exposed and teams would capitalize at will.
Hetherman’s simplicity is exactly what the doctor ordered to fix the defense from last year.
And when it comes to the players, the talent has gone through the roof.
Headlined by former Freshman All-Americans DE Rueben Bain and DB OJ Frederique, the Hurricanes have proven home grown talent at multiple levels.
Add in the defensive lineman in the form of Justin Scott and Akheem Mesiddor, Miami has a staunch front line that can create chaos in the backfield.
Even the linebacker room has improved, adding veteran Mohamed Toure to partner home-grown senior Wesley Bissainthe.
But the most improved area is undoubtedly the secondary.
Despite Frederique having a stellar season last year at corner, beyond him the room was thin and truly cost the team. The staff completely flipped this room in the offseason via the transfer portal with a long list of additions:
Xavier Lucas, Ethan O’Connor, Zechariah Poyser, Keionte Scott, Jakobe Thomas
Each of these players were crucial starters for their respective programs last year and a clear upgrade over the players Miami had last year.
Lucas in particular could be one of the best corners in the ACC after an impressive year at Wisconsin, part of why Wisconsin has tried so hard to keep him and eventually sue Miami for landing him in the portal.
With an injection of talent and a player-friendly scheme, Miami has transformed its defensive room from one of the worst in the country to arguably one of the best — which could be the catalyst for a successful Hurricanes season.
But what does this all mean?
Like last year, Canes’ fans sit eager and ready to watch the ’Canes take on a rival for opening day.
This time it’s Notre Dame, a proven top-ten force who finished runners-up last season to Ohio State.
While it may be daunting, from top to bottom this is the best roster Cristobal has brought together. Experienced veterans are scattered across the field alongside budding youngsters who both yearn to prove themselves on the biggest stage. The floor for the Miami Hurricanes has time and time again been raised under Cristobal with his talent acquisition.
At some point, the Hurricanes need to get over the hump and prove that they’re back, and a signature win at home would go a long way.
All stats and data via ESPN and The Miami Hurricanes unless otherwise noted.
