CBS Sports is the latest national media site to release its spring rankings. The Miami football team is ranked 12th by CBS. Miami enters the 2022 season after a transitional offseason. Mario Cristobal returns home as the new head coach, 11 transfers and polarizing Name, Image and Likeness news have paced the offseason.
Miami lured Cristobal away from Oregon for 10 years and over $80 million. Booster John Ruiz has Miami at the forefront of Name, Image and Likeness. Ruiz has signed 111 Miami athletes to NIL deals through his companies, Cigarette Racing and Life Wallet. Cristobal has been widely praised for hiring an all-star staff.
Josh Gattis is the new Miami offensive coordinator after earning the Broyles Award as the best assistant in college football at Michigan last year. Former Power Five head coaches Kevin Steele and Charlie Strong will be the co-defensive coordinators. Strong will also coach linebackers. Miami was ranked 19th by 247 Sports.
ESPN does not have Miami in its Top 25. The transfer portal has created a lot of uncertainty in the rankings. Many of the Miami transfers are expected to start this fall. Cristobal has instituted a more physical culture and style of play for the Miami football program. Seven of the 11 transfers are defensive or offensive linemen.
Kayvon Thibodeaux said on the @LeBatardShow yesterday "it was sensed throughout the season" Mario Cristobal was leaving for Miami. (h/t @JaRomney) pic.twitter.com/ohoAetwoLv
— Dylan Mickanen (@DylanMickanen) April 29, 2022
"12 Miami (Fla.)The school and its boosters have thrown money at a two-decade old problem, winning national championships. Mario Cristobal arrives with a proven track record and desire to get his alma mater back to the top. Two proven coordinators and recruiters — Josh Gattis and Kevin Steele — round out a stellar staff.Is Miami back? Under Cristobal, it just might be. Way-too-early ranking: 12"
Miami is spending money throughout the football program. Cristobal is the highest-paid Miami football coach in program history. The pool of money for assistant coaches is the most Miami has committed. Cristobal and new athletic director Dan Radakovic have committed to significant program upgrades.
Miami has committed to being on an even playing field with other elite programs. This is the most excitement that Miami has generated before a season since their 10-3 2017 season led to the Hurricanes’ being ranked eighth in the 2018 preseason polls. Miami will be tested twice in 2022.
The Hurricanes play week three at Texas A&M and at Clemson in November. Miami is expected to have far greater success recruiting with Cristobal and his staff. Cristobal helped improve the Miami 2022 class from the seventies to currently 16th. Several of those signees did not consider Miami before Cristobal was hired.