College Football Expert Predicts Surprising ACC Contender For CFP Spot

The Miami Hurricanes were once a prominent football team, but Miami has not won 10 games since 2017 and has not won a national championship in over 20 years.

Ever since hiring Mario Cristobal from Oregon, there has been a renewed sense of optimism among the Hurricanes. Cristobal achieved a 35-13 record during his five years at Oregon. Additionally, as an alumnus of the Hurricanes, his return sparked hope. However, since his return to Miami, the Hurricanes' record stands at 12-13.

On3's Andy Staples believes that despite Miami's recent poor performance, the Hurricanes have the potential to win the ACC and make the College Football Playoff due to its roster.

"I've seen Mario build a roster," Staples said. "I saw Mario build a dynamite roster at Oregon. But you also have to get the on-field part of it right. They have the roster to win the ACC, to make the playoff. They have the talent. It’s all there.”

The Hurricanes have reason to be optimistic due to its successful recruiting efforts. Miami's last two recruiting classes have finished in the top eight, and it has also had back-to-back top-18 transfer portal classes. In the most recent class, quarterback Cam Ward and running back Damien Martinez were standout additions.

Ward has thrown for almost 7,000 yards, with 48 touchdowns and only 16 interceptions in two seasons at Washington State. Martinez has rushed for 2,167 yards and 16 touchdowns in his two years at Oregon State.

That dynamic duo could lead Miami back to the promised land.

Related: Five College Football Programs That Benefited The Most From The Transfer Portal