Miami College Football Preview 2025: Canes Season Outlook

The U is back! Ever heard that one before? It seems like every year, trumpets blare in South Florida and in the national media proclaiming this is the year the Miami Hurricanes return to their former glory. Miami joined the ACC in 2004, and they’ve won exactly zero conference championships in their 21 years in the league. Is this the year? Is the U back? There is reason for optimism, but this team will have to prove it first.

The biggest reason for optimism in Coral Gables is the amount of talent that Head Coach Marion Cristobal is bringing into the program. As Cristobal enters his 4th season, each of his recruiting classes has been ranked in the top 15. Nowhere should this be more felt than along the offensive and defensive lines. Cristobal is a former lineman himself, knowing the position and the talent it takes to win up front. Miami has been making steady gains along the offensive line, and this year’s group, led by Right Tackle Francis Mauigoa hopes to be dominant. They’ll be protecting transfer Quarterback Carson Beck. He comes over from Georgia after going 24-3 as a starter there. The last time we saw Beck on the field, he was handing off in pain after a UCL injury that ended his time at Georgia. How healthy Beck is will play a key role in how good this season will be for the Canes. 

Miami may start the season running the ball early and often. Damian Martinez is gone, but Mark Fletcher returns and is poised to become a star. Jordan Lyle, who showed promise as a freshman will back him up with talented Freshman Girard Pringle Jr. waiting in the wings. The real questions for the Miami offense will be at receiver where the top 4 pass catchers are all gone, including do everything star Xavier Restrepo. LSU transfer CJ Daniels will hope to fill the void along with three talented freshmen.