Where Miami football ranks in pre-spring practice Top 25
The Miami football program is 18th in the 247Sports "Ranking college football's 25 best teams entering spring practice" by Brad Crawford. Quarterback Cam Ward has dominated the discussion for Miami, at his position and among transfers during the offseason.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and Miami players praised Ward following the first spring practice on Monday. Ward has a lot of returning talent surrounding him entering the 2024 season. Miami returns leading receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George, plus its top two rushers, Henry Parrish and Mark Fletcher, in 2024.
Fletcher is out for spring practice after suffering an injury at the end of the 2023 season. George, Restrepo building chemistry is essential this spring. With three starters back on the offensive line, Miami has the foundation to be an elite offense in 2024.
Miami has greater question marks on defense this spring. Starting middle linebacker Francisco Mauigoa is out with an injury this spring. Miami should have an elite defensive line in 2024. Transfer edge rusher Elijah Alston reportedly received first-team snaps on Monday.
"At Miami, the acquisition of Washington State quarterback Cam Ward was the elite piece this Hurricanes team needed to go from potentially really good to great in 2024."
- Brad Crawford, 247Sports
Miami will be without multiple key players this spring. Opportunities will be available for several players to emerge during spring practice. Running backs Tre'Vonte Citizen, Chris Johnson and Chris Wheatley-Humphrey should have a lot of opportunities for snaps with Fletcher and Ajay Allen out.
Next. ESPN names Cam Ward as 2024 transfer with most to prove. ESPN names Cam Ward as 2024 transfer with most to prove. dark
Albany transfer Reese Poffenbarger reportedly had the edge on Jacurri Brown and Emory Williams to be the primary backup to Ward during the first day of spring practice. Miami will have a better QB room in 2024, but the key to success will likely be keeping Ward healthy. Miami has a high ceiling in 2024 led by Ward.