National CFB writer states Miami football transfer portal adds must yield return

The major transfer additions the Miami football team has made through the portal during the offseason need to yield a return on their investment per Brad Crawford of 247Sports. Crawford included the Hurricanes in his article "Miami, Ole Miss among college football teams we're overreacting to after spring practice."

Crawford subtitled his section on the Hurricanes, "MIAMI'S INVESTMENTS MUST YIELD RETURN." Miami has added 13 transfers to its 2024 roster. Quarterback Cam Ward highlights the incoming Miami transfers. Running back Damien Martinez is one of four transfers Miami added over the weekend.

The expectation for Miami is that they are likely to add more transfers this spring. In addition to Martinez, Miami added Louisville linebacker Jaylin Alderman, Marshall cornerback Dyani Hill and Houston transfer wide receiver Sam Brown. Alderman, Brown and Martinez are all projected starters.

The 2024 season is critical for Mario Cristobal after finishing 12-13 combined in his first two seasons with Miami. Seven Miami transfers are projected starters. That number could be eight if Hill earns a starting position. Crawford summarized Miami's transfer additions and the 2024 projections for the Hurricanes.

"MIAMI'S INVESTMENTS MUST YIELD RETURN
It's time to bail on Mario Cristobal ever winning big at Miami if the Hurricanes aren't one of the ACC's best this season.

This roster, based on talent, rivals a couple of his best teams at Oregon that finished inside the national rankings as a West Coast threat.

Enhanced NIL efforts through expansive resources and a heavy emphasis on transfer portal recruiting have helped the Hurricanes stabilize a couple position groups with top-end talent, not just fill-ins.

Cam Ward was one of the top quarterbacks on the market this cycle and the arrival of Oregon State's Damien Martinez this week means that Miami has a true playmaker in the backfield.

Toss in a couple major gets at wideout, offensive line and within the front seven defensively and you've got a team in Florida that looks as good, at least on paper, as the squad in Tallahassee coming off a 13-win season as the reigning conference champions.

One of the highest-paid coaches in the country, Cristobal is facing pressure to succeed. He's been provided with every possible addition to do so."

- Brad Crawford 247Sports

Ward, Martinez and a deep WR group should provide Miami with one of the most balanced offenses nationally in 2024. The front seven will be anchored by reigning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Rueben Bain. Francisco Mauigoa returns at middle LB as the foundation in the middle of the defense.

Positions to watch for Miami in the transfer portal are the offensive line and in the secondary. Miami still has an opening for a starting left guard. The two starting safety spots and depth at CB are also a concern for Miami four months before they open the season at Florida on August 31.

Before Miami added Alderman, Brown, Hill and Martinez the Hurricanes were the third favorite behind Clemson and Florida State to win the ACC. The Miami transfer additions made this week will improve the Hurricanes' odds of winning the ACC. Miami has more playmakers than it had last season.

Martinez and Ward could become the best RB-QB duo in the ACC. Brown, Jacolby George and Xavier Restrepo could be one of the best wide corps in the conference. Expect offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson to use more of his playbook in 2024. Miami has upgraded the roster talent with its transfer additions.