In his article "College football's 10 biggest questions heading into Week 1 includes notable challenges for new coaches" Cody Nagel of 247Sports asked "Are the Miami Hurricanes for real?" with his fourth question. The questions will begin on Saturday versus Florida.
After two mediocre seasons under Mario Cristobal, the expectations are high for Miami entering the 2024 season. Miami is 19th in the Associated Press Top 25 and the USA Today Coaches poll, but other polls and many pundits set expectations higher for Miami entering the 2024 season.
Miami signed the fourth-best 2024 class and 10th transfer class. The high-end additions to the 2024 roster are expected to make Miami a College Football Playoff contender. Miami is projected to have eight transfers starting and could potentially have as many 10 begin the season in the opening lineup.
Miami has a very favorable 2024 schedule. The Hurricanes who are picked to finish third in the ACC play only three teams in the top eight of the preseason rankings from the conference's media. Miami plays Florida State who is picked to finish first, Louisville who was fifth and Virginia Tech who is projected to finish sixth.
"Staying in the ACC — are the Miami Hurricanes for real in 2024? Expectations are incredibly high as Mario Cristobal leads a stacked roster with sights set on an ACC title and spot in the College Football Playoff...The question now is whether Cristobal and the Hurricanes can finally meet their standards on the field. Key moves in the transfer portal, including the addition of quarterback Cam Ward from Washington State, gives Miami plenty of juice to go into "The Swamp" and defeat rival Florida this Saturday."Cody Nagel, 247Sports
Ward leads what is expected to be a high-powered Miami offense. Oregon State transfer running back Damien Martinez is projected to give Miami balance offensively. Houston transfer wide receiver Sam Brown gives Miami three players who had over 100 yards receiving in 2024.
Miami made several key moves on defense in the transfer portal. Five defensive linemen will be critical parts of the 2024 rotation and safety Mishael Powell brings needed experience to the secondary. The experienced transfers Miami added should be a huge boost versus Florida.
Miami can set the foundation for a great season with a win at Florida. Winning the ACC is the most important thing. If Miami wins the ACC they would guarantee themselves a College Football Playoff berth and first-round bye. Miami began the 2023 season 4-0 before finishing 7-6.