Every college football fan base runs the exact same script every July and August. The words change slightly depending on the team, but the story is identical everywhere, and it's worth recognizing the pattern before you fully buy in. Here's the annual hype cycle, translated into what it actually looks like at Miami this year.
The weight room transformation
Your team had a great offseason in the weight room, and they're unrecognizable.
Tight end Israel Briggs added 35 pounds this offseason, quarterback Dereon Coleman added 26, and edge rusher Marquise Lightfoot is now up to 240. Elija Lofton went the other direction, dropping to 237 pounds from over 260 a year ago.
Even Malachi Toney has a transformation, with Mario Cristobal noting he's 12 pounds heavier and faster. You will hear about every one of these transformations constantly before a single snap has been taken in a game.
The freshman who flashed in the spring game
That freshman who flashed when the starters were held out is going to be a major piece this year.
At Miami, that's the receiver room battle behind Malachi Toney and Cooper Barkate, where Joshua Moore's size and upside have people ready to pencil him in as the breakout WR3. Vandrevius Jacobs, Cam Vaughn and Somourian Wingo are all also getting their own version of this same buzz right behind him.
The improved team chemistry
The team spent a lot of time bonding. The staff also likes this team more this year.
Every coach in America says a version of this every summer, and no fan base has ever heard a coach say the opposite about the group currently in the building.
Last year's team was special. And it's certainly okay to recognize that. At the same time, this team can build off of last season and win it all. This is just such a cliche line that it almost clouds expectations, even when those expectations are sky high.
The "more aggressive" defense
The defense is more aggressive.
"More aggressive" gets said about literally every defense in the country every single offseason, whether or not it ends up being true.
But with Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II stepping in for departed first-round pass rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, the unit still projects to be elite. And defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman is back for another season.
The "more explosive" offense
The offense is going to be creative and hit explosive plays.
Contrary to where the offense ended the season last year, there were moments in the first part of the season in which fans were frustrated with OC Shannon Dawson. Obviously, with the trick plays and aggressive calls that defined the second half of the year, that went away. This offense is going to explosive from Day 1.
Believe some of it anyway
Miami's roster, coaching staff and results from last season back up more of these storylines than most programs can claim in a given year. Just remember that every fan base is hearing some version of the exact same lines this month.
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