Miami is 13th in "College football's top-15 programs over the next three seasons" as ranked by 247Sports podcaster Josh Pate. The Miami football program has signed consecutive top-10 recruiting classes and is trending toward a third in the 2025 class.
Grant Hughes of 247Sports transcribed part of the comments from Hughes. Pate has frequently praised Mario Cristobal as a recruiter and the change in culture throughout the Miami program during his tenure. Miami has become a major factor in recruiting and name, image and likeness deals under Cristobal.
Miami has a schedule set up for success this season. The season opener at Florida, October 19 at Louisville and October 26 versus Florida State are likely the only games Miami will not be favored to win in 2024. Florida, Florida State and Louisville are the only teams on Miami's 2024 schedule ranked ahead of them in the ESPN Football Power Index.
Miami has signed the 12th, seventh and 10th best transfer classes under Cristobal. Under Cristobal, Miami will continually be among the best at acquiring talent. Miami should have a top 10 roster in 2024 after having the 12th best roster in 2023 per the 247Sports team talent composite rankings.
"Pate:" Miami is ultra-aggressive in talent acquisition. They've got an ultra-aggressive staff down there. They've already been trending up. I expect it to improve again. They're one pop year away. That's all it'll take. If they win double-digit games this year, that'll be it. They've been selling vision down there. They've got really deep pockets. They've got really good resources. They're going to get it done.""Josh Pate, 247Sports
Cristobal is relentless in recruiting and expects his staff to do the same. The Miami classes have improved each season under Cristobal. This is a pivotal year for Miami under Cristobal. The additions of quarterback Cam Ward and running back Damien Martinez are expected to significantly upgrade Miami offensively.
Nearly all of the 2024 transfer additions have a chance to start for Miami this season. Miami has the talent to compete for a 10-win 2024 season. The games against Florida, Louisville and Florida State will be huge measuring sticks for Miami in 2024. Miami has as much or more talent than everyone it plays this season.
Cristobal has been setting the foundation for success since he was hired in December 2021. Miami has to take the next step on the field in 2024. Winning at a high level in 2024 should help set up Miami for continued success under Cristobal. Returning to being an elite program is what was expected when Cristobal was hired.