The path to the CFP is clear for Miami after AP Top 25 preseason poll

Miami’s path just came into focus with the release of the AP Top 25 preseason poll. The journey is clear: three ranked opponents are already on the slate, including a top-10 opener in prime time. The AP places Miami at No. 10, with Notre Dame (No. 6), Florida (No. 15) and SMU (No. 16). Louisville, FSU and Pitt are on the schedule as well and also received votes.

Week 1 delivers one of Miami's biggest games of the year — No. 6 Notre Dame on Sunday night. It’s both a resume opportunity and an early barometer of Miami’s ceiling under Mario Cristobal.

After Notre Dame, Miami hosts Bethune-Cookman (FCS) on Sept. 6 and USF on Sept. 13. These games could help Miami get back on track if they lose to Notre Dame or keep the Canes sharp going into the next ranked battle. The second ranked test comes at the hands of Florida who come into visit on Sept. 20. The matchup against Florida is a big non-conference swing game against an SEC opponent that begins the year in the top 15. At this point, Miami could get a second chance in September to bank a quality win.

A little fun fact: Miami has not left the state of Florida at this point in the season. So, going 2-2 in this stretch would hurt the Hurricanes more than some might think, even if the losses are "quality".

The back half features a third ranked opponent on the road in SMU on Nov. 1. This would be a good time for Miami to get a ranked win and build a serious resume. It could also help them get to the ACC championship game. The Mustangs are one of Miami’s two most dangerous November trips, with the others being a late regular season stretch at Virginia Tech (Nov. 22) and Pitt (Nov. 29).

Beyond the ranked trio, several opponents are receiving votes and could be ranked when Miami sees them. Florida State picked up 8 votes and they look to at least be better than last year, Louisville received 90, and Pittsburgh received 3. Miami visits FSU on Oct. 4, hosts Louisville on Oct. 17, and closes at Pitt on Nov. 29. It is also important to mention that Miami avoids having to play Clemson in the regular season which is a huge break.

Of course, polls are snapshots. But if the preseason is a roadmap, Miami’s clearest path to a playoff resume is straightforward: hold serve at home against ranked visitors in September and survive November’s road gauntlet (as best they can). With the Hurricanes starting at No. 10, the opportunities — and the margins — are right there from Week 1 on.