Miami football named 1 of 6 most improved 2024 teams nationally

With the fourth-ranked recruiting class and 13th-best transfer class, the Miami football team should have one of the most improved rosters nationally in 2024. Steven Lassan of Athlon Sports named Miami with Nebraska, TCU, Texas A&M, Utah and Virginia Tech as "College Football's Most Improved Teams for 2024."

As many as 10 transfers could start for Miami in 2024. Miami was busy during the spring transfer portal adding elite talent. All five spring portal additions could start for Miami in 2024. A handful of the 2024 Miami transfer additions should become impact players this season.

Mario Cristobal and his staff have done an excellent job upgrading the talent on the roster over the last three classes. Miami needs to have their results on the field match the roster additions. Miami will be tested in week one at Florida. Florida is seeking to improve after consecutive losing seasons and an 11-14 record since 2022.

The skeptics are out for Miami and Mario Cristobal entering the 2024 season. After two mediocre seasons under Cristobal, Miami has a lot to prove following a productive offseason. Virginia Tech and Miami will have a chance to show who is more improved at Hard Rock Stadium on September 27.

"Although coach Mario Cristobal still has plenty to prove, the talent level has significantly improved over the last two seasons...If the 'Canes can translate recruiting success into production, the conference title game is within reach.

Helping Miami improve off last year's 7-6 record are a pair of key transfer portal additions on offense in the form of quarterback Cam Ward (Washington State) and running back Damien Martinez (Oregon State). The offensive line should rank among the best in college football.

Question marks remain in the secondary, but the defense looks strong up front, as sophomore end Rueben Bain (12.5 TFL last year) is one of the top rising star defenders in the nation."

- Steven Lassan, Athlon Sports

Miami is the third favorite in the ACC behind Clemson and Florida State. Clemson and Miami do not play this season. Miami hosts Florida State on October 26 in one of the biggest games in the ACC in 2024. Ward, Martinez and Houston wide recevier Sam Brown provide Miami with three new playmakers on offense.

Bain, Akheem Mesidor and Marshall transfer Elijah Alston give Miami one of the deepest edge rushing groups nationally. Miami is still pursuing Tennessee transfer edge rusher Tyler Baron. After being named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, expect Bain to take another step forward in 2024.

Miami needs the new players to perform at a high level. Martinez and Ward need to be among the best players in the ACC. Miami has the roster to compete for an ACC Championship Game berth and challenge for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Miami roster is at least one of the best in the ACC in 2024.