Miami football schedule more likely to add Group of 5, FCS than Power 5

Miami has a quality list of FBS programs it has played in non-conference throughout its history. The Hurricanes were independent until they joined the then newly formed Big East Conference for Football in 1991. Miami left the Big East for the ACC in 2004. The Post listed the below non-conference games for Miami since 1970.

"Other home-and-home non-league opponents of the modern era (post-1970): Kansas State: Miami took two Ls (home 2011, away 2012) Rice: 1984-85, both wins San Diego State: Three series, 1978-79, 1989-90 and 1991-92. Aside from 1979, UM won all meetings. Tennessee: 2002-03. Miami split, winning the first game on the road 26-3 and losing at home 10-6. Texas: 1972-73. Same deal, UM won on the road, lost at home. Texas A&M: a home game in 1944, produced the most lopsided loss in program history — 70-14 — until a 58-0 loss to Clemson in 2015 eclipsed it. But Miami won at home and in College Station in 2007-08. TCU: UM had an irregular series with the Horned Frogs, playing eight times from 1946-77, all but once at home. UM went 5-3. The Hurricanes handily won a 1992 one-off at the Orange Bowl. Texas Tech: visited UM in 1986 and hosted in 1990. UM won both. Tulane: UM went 6-5-1 from 1951-78. Tulsa: UM won three meetings from 1986-91. Vanderbilt: 1980-81, two UM wins. Washington: bolstered its national rep by beating Miami at home in 2000. UM more than repaid the Huskies at home in 2001. Wisconsin: blown out in 1988 at Miami and at home in 1989. The Badgers got revenge in 2009, in a bowl game many Hurricanes fans would rather forget."

Of the above programs, the most likely to be added by Miami to future schedules would be Rice, Tulane or Tulsa as Group of Five schools. Tennessee, Texas, TCU, Texas or Texas Tech could be scheduled if the Hurricanes want to add a Power Five opponent. Rice, Tulane or Tulsa would likely be guaranteed games for Miami.

Miami has recruited well in New Orleans in the past. Hurricanes legends Reggie Wayne and Ed Reed matriculated at Miami from the Big Easy. Scheduling Rice, Tulsa or Tulane could give Miami more inroads in recruiting in New Orleans, Houston and Oklahoma. Power Five schools listed would help recruiting in Tennessee and Texas.

Future scheduling could be on hold with the 2020 season very much in doubt if and when it will be played. James is likely exploring future opportunities for Miami. Do not expect any decisions to be made or announced until after the determination about the 2020 season is announced by conference commissioners.