Miami football named top 8 teams poised to take a step forward in 2022

The Miami Hurricanes were named by 247 Sports as one of the “College football: Teams poised to take a step forward in 2022.” Miami was one of eight teams nationally named by Austin Nivison. The Miami football program is coming off of a 7-5 season but has generated news nationally behind new head coach Mario Cristobal.

Clemson was the only other ACC program named by 247 Sports and in-state rival Florida was also on the list. LSU, Nebraska, Penn State, USC and Texas were the other eight projected to take a step forward in 2022. LSU with Brian Kelly and Lincoln Riley at USC have also generated hope entering their first seasons in those locations.

After beginning the 2021 season 2-4, getting off to a good start will be critical for Miami in 2022. Miami will be a big favorite in three of its first four games. The Hurricanes host Bethune-Cookman, Southern Mississippi and Middle Tennessee State in weeks one, two and four. Miami plays at Texas A&M on September 17.

The game against the Aggies will be an early measuring stick for Cristobal and his staff. Miami will be under a lot of scrutiny nationally in College Station. There’s a very good chance Miami at Texas A&M will be the ESPN College Gameday location in week three. Miami and Texas A&M last played in 2008.

"MIAMI HURRICANES“The Hurricanes weren’t awful in 2021. They got off to a poor start, but pulled themselves together and won five of their last six games. Part of that was the emergence of Tyler Van Dyke as the team’s clear starting quarterback.As a freshman, Van Dyke threw for 2,931 yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions, while completing 62.3% of his passes. On top of that, Mario Cristobal is now the team’s head coach, and he has been busy filling holes, via the NCAA Transfer Portal.It wouldn’t exactly be shocking to see Miami finish atop the Coastal Division in 2022.”"

Van Dyke is the foundation of the Miami offense in 2022. Miami added 11 transfers to the 2022 roster. As many as five transfers could start on defense. Several transfers on offense should also have an impact for Miami. Cristobal has hired an elite coaching staff that is doing an exceptional job recruiting.

Miami has the seventh-ranked 2023 recruiting class currently. Miami will likely be the 2022 preseason co-favorites in the ACC Coastal Division with Pittsburgh. Four of the seven teams in the ACC Coastal Division have new head coaches for the 2022 season. Cristobal has the best situation entering the 2022 season.