Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson laid out a straightforward plan for how the Hurricanes will “unlock” their offense in 2025. He plans to lean into depth-driven competition at wide receiver, demand precision from new QB Carson Beck, emphasize vertical shots and yards-after-catch, and deploy tight ends who can both block and win in space (easier said than done, right?).
Dawson’s media session last week included pointed notes on each area. He called the WR room’s “competitive nature” a standout, described Beck as a self-correcting “perfectionist,” and said he “might be a little crazy” but believes Miami has “the best quarterback room in the nation.”
The context for that confidence is last year’s production. Miami’s 2024 offense finished No. 1 nationally in scoring and No. 1 in total offense, averaging 43.9 points and 537.2 yards per game.
Beck’s mandate: efficiency over hero ball
Dawson’s comments on Carson Beck centered on process and accountability: “He’s hard on himself… that’s his way of motivating himself.” That aligns with what head coach Mario Cristobal has stressed publicly: Beck doesn’t need to be a superhero, just consistently efficient.
Replacing star production on the perimeter
The WR plan starts with competition. Joshisa “JoJo” Trader and CJ Daniels project as first-teamers, with transfer veterans and young speed in the two-deep. That churn is necessary after the NFL departures of Xavier Restrepo, Elijah Arroyo, Jacolby George, etc.
Tight ends who block and win in space
Dawson also highlighted the tight end room’s versatility, noting the group, “can do what we ask… execute the blocking schemes” and, importantly, are “good in space.” For Miami, that doubles as an answer to early-season questions at receiver.
The first measuring stick
We won’t wait long for validation as No. 10 Miami opens against No. 6 Notre Dame on Sunday, Aug. 31. Dawson’s path is clear and measurable: WR competition that elevates the floor, a QB standard built on self-correction and timing, and TEs who unlock formation flexibility. Do those things, and the nation’s No. 1 offense has a realistic shot to look like it again, starting in Week 1.