Paul Finebaum Names Major College Football Program That Is Being Overlooked

After a disappointing 2023 season, the Miami Hurricanes are primed for a breakout season after a stellar offseason. The Hurricanes are only 12-13 over the past two seasons under head coach Mario Cristobal, but many experts are predicting a breakout season in 2024.

Miami enters next season at No. 19 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll, but ESPN's Paul Finebaum believes the Hurricanes are being overlooked by the voters. He picked the Hurricanes as the most underrated team in the preseason rankings.

Finebaum pointed to Miami's inability to close games last season, including a meltdown against Georgia Tech late in the season. The Hurricanes lost five games by 10 points or less, including two one-score losses against Florida State and Louisville.

"I think it's Miami," Finebaum said. "They lost four games last year at the buzzer, one that the head coach Mario Cristobal simply gave away. Remember that game against Georgia Tech?

"They open the season at Florida, and they're gonna make Jeff Darlington a very unhappy man that first weekend. He's gonna have to go back to the toilet looking for an iguana."

The Hurricanes signed one of the best transfer classes in the nation, headlined by Washington State quarterback Cam Ward. He will lead the Hurricanes after throwing for over 6,900 yards and 48 passing touchdowns for the Cougars.

Former Oregon State running back Damien Martinez also joins the offense after posting over 1,185 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 2023. Tennessee's Tyler Baron and Michigan State's Simeon Barrow Jr. will solidify the defensive line unit, which is led by Freshman All-American Rueben Bain Jr.

Miami opens the 2024 season against Florida on Aug. 31 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.

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