Miami Enters ESPN's Initial College Football Power Rankings, But Should The Hurricanes Be Ranked Higher?

Where should Miami be ranked to start the 2024 college football season?

If one asks the ranking members of ESPN’s college football crew, the Hurricanes come in at #19 . One could argue that initial ranking is a bit too low. Beyond the returning talent like but not limited to receiver Xavier Restrepo and defensive lineman Rueben Bain, Jr ., there are a plethora of talented Transfer Portal additions coming to Coral Gables.

Quarterback Cam Ward , running back Damien Martinez , wide receiver Sam Brown , center Zach Carpenter , defensive tackles C.J. Clark and Simeon Barrow, Jr ., and defensive back Mishael Powell are some of the imported talents that should help the Hurricanes this fall.

Miami could be ranked higher; perhaps the Canes deserve to be ranked higher. The Canes will have a chance to prove their worth by knocking off the Florida Gators in The Swamp on Aug. 31; that would bolster Miami’s ESPN Power Index ranking. For now, here’s part of what the sports network states about Miami and being placed where it is.

“It has been a rough start to the Mario Cristobal era, with the Hurricanes going just 12-13 (6-10 in conference play) over the past two seasons. But despite the on-field results, Cristobal has been consistently stockpiling talent, and this offseason, the Canes went all-in, adding a host of big names via the transfer portal, including RB Damien Martinez , DE Tyler Baron and QB Cam Ward . The result is arguably the most talented roster in the ACC and lofty expectations for the 2024 season.”

Here are the rankings for the other teams on UM’s 2024 football schedule:

#10 Florida State Seminoles

ESPN has the Noles higher than Miami and the two arch-rivals will meet inside Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 26. Here’s ESPN’s take on the Seminoles for this season.

“Coach Mike Norvell says they have left their disappointment over their College Football Playoff snub in the past, but several players have said they want to prove that their undefeated run to an ACC championship was no fluke. They enter the season with a completely revamped offense, starting at quarterback, where Clemson/ Oregon State transfer DJ Uiagalelei takes over for Jordan Travis . Will this be his best season yet? Then there are the receivers, largely unproven, tasked with replacing Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson . Florida State returns an experienced offensive line and deep running back room, so expect a different look on offense.”

#15 Clemson Tigers

Will Clemson bounce back after a 9-4 season, its first campaign without 10 or more victories since 2010. Still, Clemson Athletics denotes the Tigers having 150 wins since the beginning of the 2011 season. The only other team to do it? Alabama. Dabo Swinney and the Tigers are a threat to win the ACC and go to the College Football Playoff. ESPN has the following to say about their 2024 outlook.

“Once a top-five mainstay, Clemson has not made the College Football Playoff in three years and won nine games in 2023 -- the first time in 12 years the Tigers failed to reach double-digit wins. But coach Dabo Swinney remains unconcerned, firmly believing in the direction the program is headed. Swinney has defended his decisions and his offense, starting with Cade Klubnik , who enters a crucial second season as the starter with Garrett Riley calling the plays. Clemson is banking on a better offensive line and young receivers to step up and show improvement. Meanwhile, the defense is expected to return to form after a bit of a dip a year ago, with Barrett Carter leading the way, along with super sophomores Peter Woods and T.J. Parker .”