Miami earns way-too-early 2026 top-10 respect after CFP run changed everything

Mario Cristobal has built a program over the past four years that projects to be sustainable in the top 10 consistently. Miami was ninth in the On3 2026 Way-Too-Early Top 25. The College Football Playoff berth and run to the National Championship Game have helped Miami gain credibility.

Miami has to replace eight starters on offense and seven on defense. The depth chart for Miami entering the 2026 season will be a mix of returnees, incoming freshmen and transfers. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. will be the top returning player for Miami in 2026.

Miami ranked inside top 10 of On3 2026 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25

Mario Cristobal and his staff have signed the eighth-best 2026 class in the On3 industry rankings. Miami still has work to do in the Transfer Portal with only six additions currently. Wide receiver has been an early position Miami targeted with Vandrevius Jacobs and Cam Vaughn as transfer additions.

Miami should return its coaching staff close to intact in 2026. Led by defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, a nearly entirely new staff on defense led a significant improvement for Miami in 2025. Defensive line coach Jason Taylor was the only defensive coach who returned for Miami in 2025.

Offensive lineman Jarquez Carter and quarterback Darian Mensah are huge additions for Miami in 2026. Carter will likely start next to Justin Scott, who is returning for his junior season. Getting Mensah, who has not officially announced his transfer to Miami, is fortunate for Miami late in the Transfer Portal cycle. The Transfer Portal officially closed on Friday.

Transfers who have already entered the portal can continue to seek new schools even with the deadline for entering expiring on Friday. Expect Cristobal and his staff to continue pursuing transfers to complete the 2026 roster and fill in holes.

Cristobal should have silenced his critics with Miami's run to the National Championship Game. As one of the best recruiters nationally, Cristobal will set the foundation for Miami continuing to be among the top 10 teams nationally for the foreseeable future.