Miami football named top 5 most overrated teams in coaches poll.
The Miami football team was ranked 19th in the USA Today Coaches Poll released on Monday. With mediocre performances over the last 20-plus years, there are a lot of skeptics about Miami. Florida State, Kansas, Michigan and Missouri were also named in the "Preseason college football coaches poll: Who are the most overrated teams?"
Miami has earned a lot of skepticism with mediocre play over the last 20 years plus. The fourth-ranked 2024 class and the 10th-ranked transfer class are expected to boost Miami this season. Miami received 292 points in the preseason USA Today Coaches Poll.
Miami being tabbed as one of the five most overrated teams in the coaches poll is far more about the past than the 2024 season. Erick Smith wrote the USA Today Article. The voters clearly disagree with Smith. Miami's ultimate 2024 goal is to finish in the top 12 and earn a College Football Playoff berth.
After a 12-13 record in his first two-seasons there is a lot of pressure on Mario Cristobal to lead Miami to the type of season that was expected of him when he was hired in December 2021. Miami has a very favorable 2024 schedule. Florida State who is 10th, is the only top 25 team in the Coaches Poll Miami plays in 2024.
"Mario Cristobal embarked on another roster makeover after the Hurricanes finished 7-6 last season, bringing in QB Cam Ward and RB Damien Martinez...There are additions on defense, too, as the Hurricanes finally hope to become relevant in the ACC. But we've been here before, waiting for a breakthrough. Miami starts at No. 19 and has been roughly in this spot the past two preseasons before finishing out of the poll...It's probably best to take a wait-and-see approach."
- Erick Smith, USA Today
Miami is projected to start nine transfers. Ward is the leader of that group. The addition of Ward in January set the foundation for many of the transfers to Miami in April. Martinez was a huge addition who balanced the Miami offense in 2024. Wide receiver Sam Brown provides Miami with an experienced and productive WR.
Miami rebuilt most of its defensive line through the transfer portal. Rueben Bain returns after being named the 2023 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Akeem Mesidor is back for Miami after only playing two games in 2023. Miami added three key transfer defensive tackles and two edge rushers.
Next. Where Miami ranks in coaches poll top 25 and among ACC teams. Where Miami ranks in coaches poll top 25 and among ACC teams. dark
Entering his third season, Cristobal has built a roster that should be ready to compete. Miami should be a major contender for an ACC Championship game berth and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff. Anything less than that and Miami would have to continue to answer their skeptics.