Joel Klatt names Miami among teams poised for first CFP appearance

Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt recently released his list of the top ten teams most likely to make the College Football Playoff for the first time in 2025 and the Miami Hurricanes earned the No. 4 spot.

Klatt highlighted Miami’s offseason redesign on defense as a key factor in his assessment. After a season marred by defensive struggles, he praised the Hurricanes for overhauling a unit that often left the offense scrambling for balance. Miami ranked fourth on his list, sitting behind Illinois, Ole Miss and South Carolina.

"They hired a new defensive coordinator this offseason, Corey Hetherman from Minnesota, a guy that I’ve covered and I really respect. I think he’s a really good defensive coordinator. I think he fits what Cristobal ball wants to do. The biggest question for Miami, at least in my estimation, is Carson Beck."

Joel Klatt

Illinois, according to Klatt, could benefit from a forgiving Big Ten schedule and returning talent, citing 16 starters back from a program that could reach back‑to‑back 10‑win seasons for the first time. Ole Miss earned the second spot thanks to Lane Kiffin’s portal acquisitions, even after losing quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Miami saw its season go off the rails late in the year after multiple comeback victories ignited by QB Cam Ward and the offseason despite the defense. To climb into the playoff picture, the Hurricanes must be formidable on both fronts and take care of its ACC opponents.

In 2024, half the playoff field featured first‑time participants, including Boise State, Indiana, Penn State, SMU and Tennessee. That trend toward fresh faces makes a Miami breakthrough this season plausible.

But to seize that opportunity, Miami must also navigate its non‑conference slate, including a test against Notre Dame in the opening game. If Klatt’s projection were to come true, that means that transfer QB Carson Beck is a success and the additions through the transfer portal were enough to put Miami in the ACC Championship Game. Miami was the only team from the ACC included on the list.