ESPN identifies Miami football biggest 2024 question mark

Roster depth is "Post-spring Top 25 teams' biggest question marks heading into the fall" for the Miami football program in an ESPN article earlier this week. Mario Cristobal has worked hard to improve the Miami roster entering his third season as head coach.

Miami ranked 12th in the 2023 247Sports Team Talent Composite rankings. After signing the fourth-best 2024 class and 10th-best group in the portal, expect Miami to improve in the Team Talent Composite rankings significantly. Miami has improved its depth through the transfer portal in 2024.

The addition of edge rushers Elijah Alston and Tyler Baron gives Miami one of the deepest groups at that position nationally. Rueben Bain is coming off being named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and Akheem Mesidor returns on the defensive line after missing most of the 2023 season.

Transfers Simeon Barrow from Michigan State, C.J. Clark from North Carolina State and Marley Cook from Middle Tennessee State project as the top defensive tackles for Miami in 2024. The transfers portal was critical for Miami to upgrade the depth and talent on the 2024 roster.

"24. Miami Hurricanes
Question mark: Roster depth

The Hurricanes have a revamped secondary heading into the season...they feel good about the young talent they have across the board, including cornerback Damari Brown, the group is going to be asked to take a giant step forward this season. Adding Mishael Powell from the transfer portal is big, but there are depth concerns."

- Andrea Adelson, ESPN

Center Zach Carpenter, running back Damien Martinez and wide receiver Sam Brown are projected starters for Miami in 2024. Alston and Baron should push for starting positions in 2024. Jaylin Alderman will be a key player in the linebacker rotation. Andrea Adelson of ESPN discussed the Miami secondary.

Powell could be the key to the Miami secondary in 2024. Beyond Powell, the other Miami starting safety will be decided during August training camp. Freshman Zaquan Patterson is a player to watch. Brown and Darryl Porter Jr. provide Miami with returning starters at CB.

Marshall transfer Dyoni Hill adds depth and experience for Miami at CB. Miami also added Arizona transfer Isaiah Taylor at safety. Redshirt freshman Robert Stafford was the 17th ranked CB in the 2023 class. Stafford's development this season would be significant for Miami's CB depth.

Miami will have improved depth this season. Adding Alston and Baron was critical after Miami had significant injury issues at edge rusher in 2023. Miami needs Cam Ward to stay healthy with a significant drop-off at quarterback behind him. The Miami roster is more talented in 2024 than it was in 2023.