The rankings will vary slightly as we move closer to spring practice in the next two months. ESPN and Sports Illustrated have the Hurricanes a bit lower than Athlon did.
Miami will have two new starters on the offensive line and could have three to four players in the trenches in new positions. Getting Quarterback Malik Rosier to be more consistent will also be necessary for the Hurricanes to reach the next level. ESPN discussed that and more of what Miami has to do to challenge Clemson to win the ACC Championship.
"7. Miami 2017 record: 10-3, 7-1 ACC Returning starters: Eight offense, nine defense, one special teams Key losses: WR Braxton Berrios, OT KC McDermott, G Trevor Darling, DT Kendrick Norton, RB Mark Walton Outlook: In Mark Richt’s second season back at his alma mater, the Hurricanes returned to national relevance with their first 10-win season since 2003, introduced us to the Turnover Chain and played in the ACC championship game for the first time. However, their three-game losing streak to close the season showed that the “U” isn’t yet all the way back. If Miami is going to be better in 2018, quarterback Malik Rosier will have to avoid the mistakes and turnovers that plagued him in his first season as a starter. Wide receiver Berrios and two starting offensive linemen will be missed. Sophomore Ahmmon Richards might be Miami’s next star if he recovers from a knee injury. Richt and his staff will have to continue to build depth through recruiting to catch Clemson in the ACC. They’re off to a great start in doing so.”"