The Miami Hurricanes had a strong 2024 season under head coach Mario Cristobal, achieving their best performance yet during his tenure. Despite their success, the season ended on a disappointing note with a loss to the Iowa State Cyclones in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Looking ahead to 2025, the team faces significant challenges due to the departure of key players, which could lead to a decline in performance.
One of the biggest losses for Miami is quarterback Cam Ward, who is widely projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His departure creates a major gap in the Hurricanes’ offense. Additionally, 247Sports writer Grant Hughes recently listed Miami as one of the teams expected to regress in 2025. The Hurricanes finished 2024 with a 10-3 record, suffering losses to Georgia Tech, Syracuse, and Iowa State in their bowl game. Before their setbacks against the Yellow Jackets and the Orange, Miami was in a strong position to win the ACC and secure a top seed in the College Football Playoff.
Beyond Ward, Miami will also be without their two top wide receivers, Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George. George had a productive season, recording nearly 800 yards and eight touchdowns, while Restrepo led the ACC with 1,127 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Hurricanes will also need to find a replacement for standout running back Damien Martinez, who contributed 1,002 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024.
To address the quarterback void left by Ward, Miami turned to the transfer portal and secured former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck. Beck, who started for two seasons with the Bulldogs, entered the 2024 season as a Heisman Trophy favorite but did not meet those expectations. Despite his inconsistency, he remains a talented player, and a change of environment could help him realize his potential.
The Hurricanes’ challenges extend beyond their offense. Defensively, they are losing key contributors, including Francisco Mauigoa, their leading tackler, who posted 96 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble in 2024. The secondary is also taking a hit with the departures of top safety Mishael Powell and standout cornerback Daryl Porter Jr.
With so many key players leaving, Miami faces an uncertain 2025 season. While they have made moves to fill some gaps, the loss of experienced playmakers on both offense and defense could make it difficult for the team to replicate their 2024 success.
