Miami Hurricanes named one of 5 college football programs under pressure in 2024

The Miami Hurricanes were named one of "5 college football programs under pressure in 2024" by Mitch Kaiser of Pro Football Focus in a post published on Friday. With a record of 12-13 in two seasons, Mario Cristobal faces a lot of pressure for Miami to significantly improve its record in 2024.

Florida was the first team listed by Pro Football Focus as one of the programs under pressure, followed by Miami, Ohio State, Mississippi and Penn State. The pressure is different for each program. With Jim Harbaugh moving on from Michigan, Ohio State will be expected to regain control of the Big 10.

The pressure on Florida is similar to Miami after an 11-14 record in the first two seasons under Billy Napier. Kaiser observed the pressure on Mississippi is for Lane Kiffin to take them to the next level. For Mississippi and Penn State, anything less than a College Football Playoff berth could be a disappointment.

Miami is projected to have one of the best offenses nationally in 2024 led by Washington State transfer quarterback Cam Ward, Oregon State transfer running back Damien Martinez and returning wide receiver Xavier Restrepo. Three returning starters on the offensive line form what is expected to be one of the best units nationally.

"MIAMI (FL) HURRICANES
2023 record: 7-6
2024 strength of schedule: 49th

The Hurricanes have experienced recent letdowns...but something about the 2024 team feels different. With the addition of star quarterback Cam Ward, the sky might be the limit for this offense, which also has arguably the best slot receiver in college football in Xavier Restrepo (89.0 PFF receiving grade).

For every big-time throw Ward makes, there may be a turnover-worthy play alongside it. However, if Ward can cut down on those errant throws, he will transform this offense and draw the attention of NFL scouts.

Rueben Bain Jr....racked up 45 pressures and nine sacks on 354 pass-rushing snaps (in 2023). He is the type of freak athlete who is sure to take a massive step in his development as a pass-rusher.

Head coach Mario Cristobal has hopefully learned from his mistakes in 2023 and will make the proper adjustments en route to success in 2024."

- Mitch Kaiser Pro Football Focus

Ward is the leading returning passer nationally after averaging 311.1 yards per game in 2023. Restrepo leads all returnees in the ACC with 85 receptions and 1,092 yards in 2023. Martinez is one of the leading returning rushers after averaging 98.75 yards per game during the 2023 season.

Restrepo will be joined as starting WRs by Jacolby George who was second in Miami in receptions and yards in 2023 and Houston transfer Sam Brown. Mark Fletcher has a bright future at RB. Tight end Elijah Arroyo is expected to be fully recovered from a knee injury that plagued him in the last two seasons and have a breakout year.

Ward threw 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions but led the nation with seven lost fumbles in 2023. Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson said during spring practice he thought that the way Ward held the football contributed to his lost fumbles in 2023. Dawson seemed confident they can minimize Ward's lost fumbles in 2024.

Miami is projected to have one of the best front sevens defensively led by edge rusher Rueben Bain and linebacker Franciso Mauigoa. Bain won the 2023 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Mauigoa led the ACC in 2023 with 18 tackles for loss. Miami was able to remake its defensive line around Bain with several key transfer additions.

Opponents will not be able to double-team Bain in 2024 with the return of Akheem Mesidor who missed most of the 2023 season with an injury and the additions of edge rushers Elijah Alston from Marshall and Tyler Baron from Tennessee via Louisville as transfers. Miami will have an elite pass rush in 2024.

Miami finished 18th nationally in 2024 averaging 6.77 tackles for loss and 22nd averaging 2.69 sacks per game. With a far better offense expected in 2024, Miami should be ahead more often. With the lead late in games, the Miami front seven should produce more TFLs and sacks in 2024.

Cristobal has always been lauded for his ability as a recruiter. Miami needs to make better late-game decisions in 2024. If Miami can win the games they are expected to and emerge victorious in close games, the Hurricanes should be able to reach their goals during the 2024 season.

Anything short of competing for a berth in the ACC Championship Game and challenging for a College Football Playoff berth will likely be considered a disappointment this season. Cristobal was hired by Miami to elevate the Hurricanes back to a place among college football's elite programs.