Miami Gets Bold Prediction Ahead Of 2024 Season

The Miami Hurricanes used to be one of the staples of college football. In the 1980s, they came roaring in unexpectedly like a category five hurricane, winning three national titles (1983, 1987, 1989), and then won two more in the next two decades (1991, 2001). But since then, there's been a long drought.

Moving out of the now-defunct Big East Conference, the Canes joined the ACC in 2004 and were expected to compete with the likes of Florida State and Clemson. However, Miami has played for just one ACC title since it joined.

Many have tried to resurrect the Canes, from former assistant Randy Shannon to Al Golden to Manny Diaz and even former alum and Georgia head coach Mark Richt. But little success has been garnered, and the Canes have slipped into obscurity.

Entering his third season, Mario Cristobal, another former alum, has Miami hyped up once again with the national media, including On3's Andy Staples.

In his 2024 season predictions piece , one of Staples' predictions was that Miami would play in the ACC title game.

"Are the Hurricanes the best team in the ACC? They’d have to prove that by beating Florida State (possibly twice)," Staples wrote. "But can they be one of the best two teams in the ACC? With this roster, they absolutely should be. (And if they’re not against this schedule, it might be time to panic.)"

The idea behind Staples' belief in the Canes in 2024 is the drastic roster upgrades they've made over the last couple of seasons, and specifically their use of the transfer portal this offseason.

Not only do the Canes have returning starters like offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa and edge rusher Reuben Bain, they bring in quarterback Cam Ward out of Washington State and Damien Martinez from Oregon State.

It's not unusual for Miami to get praise and hype during the offseason and preseason. That's happened many times over the last 20 years. What Miami hasn't done is prove it in season. Since 2004, they've not had one single top-10 finish and have won just three bowl games.

FanDuel gives the Canes the third best odds in the conference to win the ACC Championship at +450 behind Clemson (+280) and Florida State (+280).