While it may be February, spring football is coming soon for the Miami Hurricanes and before you know it, fall camp will get here too. After a disappointing end to the 2024 season, the hope is Miami and Mario Cristobal will be able to live up to the hype in '25.
That's not going to be easy, as Clemson is the favorite to win the ACC and it's going to take time for all the new players in Coral Gables to build chemistry with one another. Regardless, something tells us it's going to be a campaign to remember for the Canes. Here are our way-too-early predictions for what's to come next fall.
3. Carson Beck has a huge year and will be a Heisman Trophy finalist
We don't have to tell you that there's going to be a ton of pressure on Carson Beck to put on a show for Miami next season. From the moment he signed with the program, the haters have been out in full force to try to bring him down. It's not going to work.
While we don't think Beck is going to put up the same lofty numbers as Cam Ward, we do think he'll toss for 3,700 yards and 32 touchdowns. Not only that, but he'll be among the finalists for the Heisman Trophy as well.
2. Xavier Lucas leads the defense with five interceptions
Another newcomer that plenty of people are excited about is 4-star Wisconsin transfer Xavier Lucas. While the Badgers remain furious that Lucas has made his way to the ACC side, it's not going to stop him from making a big-time impact in his first season with the Canes.
Lucas is easily one of the most exciting young defensive backs in the conference leading up to Week 1. He's going to be a stud DB for new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman. So much in fact, he's our pick to lead the team in interceptions in '25. Look for him to post five.
1. Miami takes down Clemson in the ACC Championship Game
Get your popcorn ready for this one. After missing out on winning the ACC this past season, will Miami be able to wipe away that awful memory by taking down the reigning champs? Dabo Swinney and Co. captured the ACC glory and punched their ticket to the College Football Playoff.
There was definitely some envy in South Florida. This time around, though, Beck will go head-to-head with stud QB Cade Klubnik and he'll power Miami to a thrilling 31-28 victory. Look for Miami to then push to go on a deep CFP run.