Which Miami players should be expected on preseason watch lists?

Wed., Aug. 7: Biletnikoff Award-The Biletnikoff Award honors the best wide receiver. Xavier Restrepo is a lock for the Biletnikoff preseason watch list. Jacolby George is a long shot, but he could potentially be on the preseason watch list. After his record setting 2023 season, Restrepo should challenge for the 2024 Biletnikoff Award.

Thu., Aug. 8: Davey O'Brien Award-The O'Brien Award honors the best QB. Ward seems even more likely to be on the preseason watch list for the O'Brien than the Camp Award. Ward enters the 2024 season and is projected as one of the best players and QBs nationally. Expect Ward to be a first-team preseason All-ACC.

Fri., Aug. 9: Mackey Award/Rimington Trophy-The Mackey Award honors the best tight end and the Rimington goes to the best center in college football. Miami is not likely to have anyone on the Mackey Award Watch list. Indiana transfer Zach Carpenter could be on the Rimington Award watch list.

Mon., Aug. 12: Bednarik Award-The Bednarik Award is given to the best defensive player in college football by the Maxwell Club in Philadelphia. Bain and Mauigoa should both be on the Bednarik Award watch list.

Tue., Aug. 13: Butkus Award-The Butkus Award is given to the best LB in college football by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando. After earning second-team All-ACC and leading the conference in tackles for loss in 2023, Mauigoa is a near lock to be on the Butkus Award preseason watch list.

Miami has the potential for at least one national award winner in 2024. Bain, Mauigoa, Restrepo and Ward should all compete to be All-Americans in 2024. Martinez at the least should compete to be 2024 All-ACC. Miami has the roster to have its best season since 2017 in 2024.