After signing consecutive top 10 recruiting classes and the 10th best 2024 transfer class the expectations for the Miami football program are high this fall. Longtime College Football Analyst Mike Farrell named Mario Cristobal first among his “Five Coaches About to Break Through.”
The other four coaches on Farrell’s list were Matt Rhule of Nebraska second, followed by Mike Elko of Texas A&M, Cristobal’s Oregon succcessor Dan Lanning and Hugh Freeze of Auburn. Rhule was 5-7 in his first season at Nebraska in 2022. Elko is entering his first season at TAMU, Freeze was 6-7 in his first season at Auburn in 2023.
Miami showed slight improvement in the second year under Cristobal in 2023. Miami finished 5-7 in the inaugural season under Cristobal in 2022. The Hurricanes improved to 7-6 in 2023. Miami has to show significantly more improvement in 2024 to reach the projections for them.
It could be argued that Lanning has already broken through with a 22-5 record in two seasons at Oregon. Farrell posed that Lanning might already have broken through, but Oregon needs to take the next step and make the College Football Playoff. A move to the Big 10 and CFP expansion should facilitate that.
“Many will laugh at this and yes, Cristobal has a tough time getting out of his own way as a coach sometimes. But this is simple — you recruit elite talent you will win games. If Miami isn’t a playoff team in the next few seasons, I’ll be surprised.” – College Football Analyst Mike Farrell
Miami has All-American candidates at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. The additions of quarterback Cam Ward from Washington State and running back Damien Martinez from Oregon State and the return of wide receiver Xavier Restrepo will set the foundation for Miami offensively in 2024.
Miami has a cache of edge rushers that will make life difficult for opponents who fall behind the Hurricanes in 2024. This is a critical season for Miami. Cristobal needs to lead Miami to a breakout season in 2024. The only way for Cristobal and Miami to silence their doubters is to challenge for an ACC Championship and CFP berth.
