The Miami Hurricanes return eight starters on both sides of the ball plus most of their specialists in 2018. Building off a 10-3 season, their first ACC Coastal Division title and a top ten recruiting class will have UM in the top ten in most preseason rankings for next season.
Athlon Sports has the Miami Hurricanes fifth in their early 2018 preseason rankings and ESPN tabbed the U as one of seven teams to watch. On the heels of the seven teams to watch, ESPN released their top 25 for the 2018 season. Sports Illustrated also released a top 25 for 2018.
The Miami Hurricanes will enter next season having to rebuild their defensive line. Seniors Chad Thomas, Trent Harris and Anthony Moten depart. Earlier this week, defensive tackles Kendrick Norton and R.J. McIntosh announced they would forego their Senior seasons to enter the NFL Draft.
Joe Jackson and Demetrius Jackson should be the starting defensive ends next season. Joe Jackson shared time with Harris and Thomas this season. Demetrius Jackson had limited time this season behind them.
Tackle is another issue. The Miami Hurricanes return rising Senior Gerald Willis who sat out this season. Rising Sophomore Jon Ford and Pat Bethel also give Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz and Line Coach Craig Kuligowski options at tackle.
The Hurricanes have an oral commitment from defensive tackle Nesta Silvera and are favored to land Dennis Griggs from Kississmee. As they did with the secondary last year, rebuilding the line and particularly the interior will be the priority this season.