Greg McElroy Predicts 'Texas-Like' Leap For College Football Playoff Contender In 2024

Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Texas Longhorns went from an eight-win team in 2022 to nearly reaching the national championship last season. The Longhorns won 12 games in 2023, including the Big 12 Championship over the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Greg McElroy mentioned another program that could have a similar jump on a recent edition of "Always College Football." He thought the Miami Hurricanes would make a "Texas-like leap" in 2024.

Miami added two huge names from the portal in former Washington State Cougars quarterback Cam Ward and former Oregon State Beavers running back Damien Martinez. The Hurricanes also return top talent like receiver Xavier Restrepo, wide receiver Jacolby George, linebacker Francisco Mauigoa and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.

Mario Cristobal reached his first bowl game with Miami last season and ended the year at 7-6.

"Here's my top team in the ACC," McElroy said. "It's the Miami Hurricanes. Now, you're going to say, 'Well, Mario Cristobal is 12-13.' Well, I think that he inherited a very difficult situation, first and foremost. ...I look at this roster, and I remember people losing their minds last season about the Texas Longhorns. We had Texas ranked number six in the preseason last year."

The last time Miami played for an ACC article was in 2017, under former head coach Mark Richt. The Hurricanes lost to the Clemson Tigers that year but went on to play in the Orange Bowl. Miami won its last national title in 2001.

Other key transfer portal additions include former Louisville Cardinals and Tennessee Volunteers edge rusher Tyler Baron, former Houston Cougars WR Sam Brown, and former NC State Wolfpack defensive lineman CJ Clark.

Miami opens the 2024 season against the Florida Gators on Aug. 31. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Related: Greg McElroy Reveals Keys For A Potential Florida Over Miami Upset In Week 1