ESPN writes Miami football 1 of 10 contenders as first time CFP team

In their article "100 days to college football: Top games, players, contenders" ESPN named the Miami football team that has the potential to be one of "Ten first-time playoff teams." The addition of Cam Ward at quarterback has significantly raised the projections for Miami in 2024.

Ward transferring in from Washington State has helped Miami add Oregon State running back Damien Martinez and wide receiver Sam Brown as transfers this spring. The opportunity to play with Ward is enticing. Miami can have an elite offense in 2024 led by Ward behind an experienced offensive line.

Analysts have pointed towards a favorable schedule during the offseason for Miami to be a major contender for a berth in the ACC Championship game and a dark horse for the College Football Playoff. Miami hosts Florida State, plays at Louisville and doesn't play Clemson or North Carolina on their ACC Schedule.

The return of leading receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George, along with Brown and Martinez, provides a lot of talent to work with. Miami improved significantly offensively in their first season under coordinator Shannon Dawson in 2023. The Hurricanes should take another step in 2024.

"9. Miami: Proven transfer quarterback Cam Ward will have a veteran offensive line to work with, and the Canes built depth around him through the transfer portal. They don't have to leave the state of Florida once in the month of September."

- Heather Dinich, ESPN

Miami opens the season at Florida, hosts Florida A&M and Ball State, travels to Tampa to play South Florida in their final 2024 non-conference game and finishes the opening month versus Virginia Tech on Friday, September 27. Miami will not leave Florida until playing at California on October 5.

Miami plays at Louisville on October 19 and hosts Florida State a week later. That stretch could determine the trajectory of the 2024 Miami season. If Miami at least splits versus Louisville and Florida State, they should be a major contender for an ACC Championship game berth and a potential College Football Playoff spot.