Athlon Sports projects the Miami Hurricanes to rebound in 2025 with an offense led by newcomer QB Carson Beck aiming to bring the Hurricanes back into playoff discussions. Recently, Steven Lassan of Athlon Sports put together a prediction for the entire ACC.
After a rocky finish to the 2024 campaign, Miami enters its centennial 2025 season under Head Coach Mario Cristobal, now in his fourth year, and OC Shannon Dawson, entering his third. The offense hopes to support Beck’s strengths and capitalize on the experience he brings to the program.
"Miami must replace its top quarterback (Cam Ward), leading rusher (Damien Martinez), and its top five statistical receiving options from ‘24. However, this unit may not miss a beat if Georgia transfer quarterback Carson Beck is healthy after suffering a season-ending elbow injury in the SEC Championship."Steven Lassan
In 2024, Miami posted a strong 10–3 record and quarterback Cam Ward capped the season by earning ACC Player of the Year. Miami boasted the most potent offense in the nation, finishing No. 1 in scoring under Dawson’s system.
While the offense excelled, the Hurricanes stumbled late and ended just outside of the college football playoff bracket. Part of that was due to the defense not being able to uphold their end of the bargain. But, entering the 2025 season, there is optimism for that side of the ball.
"After giving up 30.8 points in ACC play and struggling to stop the pass, Cristobal revamped the defense this offseason by hiring Minnesota coordinator Corey Hetherman. Additionally, a handful of defensive backs from the portal were added to shore up a leaky secondary. A healthy year from defensive end Rueben Bain should make a big difference in the pass rush and overall play of the front."Steven Lassan
While Miami is getting a ton of respect in the predictions, Lassan still has them coming up short in the ACC Championship Game to Clemson. It appears that the projection is more credit to how good Lassan believes Clemson can be, rather than a slight towards Miami.
"Clemson snapped a streak of three years without a playoff trip in 2024. Coach Dabo Swinney’s team returns nearly all of its main contributors and necessary pieces to make a run at the program’s first national title since ‘18."Steven Lassan
He goes on to elaborate about the potential of Cade Klubnik as well as multiple players on both sides of the ball. SMU, Louisville and Georgia Tech round out the top 5 in that order.