Mario Cristobal named Top 15 2024 Power conference HC with most to prove
With a 12-13 record in his first two seasons, Mario Cristobal was named one of the "College football: 15 power conference head coaches with most to prove in 2024." Miami has signed consecutive top 10 classes in the first two full recruiting cycles under Cristobal.
The Hurricanes need the results on the recruiting trail to start matching on the field. Miami significantly underachieved in each of his first two full seasons. The hopes of the 2024 Miami football season could depend on how well Washington State transfer quarterback Cam Ward plays.
In two years under Cristobal, Miami has been w for nine weeks. Miami reached its highest ranking under Cristobal in 2022, week three. The Hurricanes were 13th in the Associated Press Top 25 after beginning the 2022 season 3-0. Miami started the 2022 season ranked 16th. Miami reached its 2023 season high of 17th in week six.
There will be a lot of scrutiny on Cristobal and Florida coach Billy Napier when the Gators host Miami on August 31 to begin the 2024 season. Florida is 11-14 in two seasons under Napier. Two once proud programs have fallen significantly from their championship eras. The season opener could be defining for both teams.
Is Mario Cristobal on the hot seat at The U? 🙌@aaronmurray11 @TBob53 @LateKickJosh pic.twitter.com/atE9Vgv7QU
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) February 23, 2024
"MARIO CRISTOBAL, MIAMI
- Cody Nagel, 247Sports
Mario Cristobal owns a losing record in two seasons as the head coach at Miami, going 12-13 overall with a bowl appearance in 2023. The Hurricanes are in position to potentially make a big jump in 2024 with transfer quarterback Cameron Ward taking the reins of the offense. Miami has yet to make any of the weekly College Football Playoff rankings under Cristobal. Still, the Hurricanes are projected to be among the favorites in the ACC next season alongside Clemson and Florida State. Cristobal has proven success in recruiting and it is time to translate that to wins on the field."
FanDuel ranks Miami with the third-best odds to win the ACC. Clemson and Florida State are the co-favorites to win the 2024 ACC Championship at plus 270. Miami is third at plus 450. Miami has a favorable 2024 schedule. Clemson is not on the 2024 Miami schedule and Florida State comes to Hard Rock Stadium on October 26.
Next. CFB writer gives Mario Cristobal second-year grade. CFB writer gives Mario Cristobal second-year grade. dark
If Miami can beat Florida State, the Hurricanes should have a chance to compete for a berth in the ACC Championship game and potentially make the College Football Playoff. Miami improved by two wins in 2023. If Miami doesn't have another two-game improvement in 2024, expect criticism by the fanbase.