The Miami Hurricanes capped off the 2024 college football season with a 10-3 record, achieving their highest finish in the final Associated Press (AP) Top 25 poll since 2017. The Hurricanes landed at No. 18, marking significant progress under head coach Mario Cristobal, despite faltering in the latter part of the season.
A Promising Start
The 2024 season began with high hopes for Miami, and the team delivered. The Hurricanes raced to a 9-0 start, their best opening run in years, and climbed as high as No. 4 in the national rankings. They showcased resilience and skill throughout their early-season stretch, including a thrilling comeback victory against the University of California. In that game, Miami overturned a 25-point deficit to win 39-38, a result that underscored their fighting spirit and ability to adapt under pressure.
By midseason, Miami was the talk of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and a strong contender for a College Football Playoff berth. Their high-powered offense, combined with a defense that excelled at generating turnovers, made them one of the most balanced teams in the country.
Offensive Firepower
Miami’s offense was a driving force in their success, averaging a staggering 43.9 points per game to lead the nation. Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke played a pivotal role, consistently delivering clutch performances and throwing for over 3,500 yards with 30 touchdowns. Van Dyke’s connection with star wide receiver Xavier Restrepo proved to be a nightmare for opposing defenses, as Restrepo racked up over 1,200 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
The running game also thrived, led by standout running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who rushed for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns. Miami’s offensive line, much improved under Cristobal’s guidance, gave the team a solid foundation, allowing the skill players to flourish.
Defensive Struggles
While Miami’s offense soared, the defense had its ups and downs. Early in the season, the defense was opportunistic, creating turnovers and making key stops when needed. However, as the competition grew tougher, the Hurricanes’ defense began to falter. Injuries to key players, combined with inconsistent play in the secondary, allowed opponents to exploit weaknesses.
Despite these challenges, linebacker Wesley Bissainthe emerged as a defensive leader, finishing the season with 110 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. Defensive lineman Nyjalik Kelly also made his presence felt, recording eight sacks and frequently disrupting opposing quarterbacks.
Late-Season Collapse
The Hurricanes’ dream season took a downturn in the final stretch. After their 9-0 start, Miami lost two of their final three regular-season games, including a heartbreaking defeat to Florida State. That loss not only dashed Miami’s ACC Championship hopes but also knocked them out of serious playoff contention.
The Hurricanes ended their regular season with a narrow loss to Louisville, further dampening the excitement around what had been a promising year. Their struggles were magnified in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, where they faced Iowa State. In a back-and-forth contest, Miami ultimately fell short, losing 42-41 in a game that exposed their defensive vulnerabilities.
Highest Final Ranking Since 2017
Despite the late-season collapse, Miami’s body of work throughout the year was enough to earn them the No. 18 spot in the final AP Top 25 poll. This marked their highest finish since 2017, when the Hurricanes ended the season ranked 13th. It was also the first time since 2020 that Miami appeared in the final AP poll, reflecting a return to national relevance for the program.
Coaching Impact
Mario Cristobal’s impact on the program was evident throughout the season. In his second year as head coach, Cristobal’s emphasis on discipline, physicality, and recruiting began to pay dividends. The Hurricanes showed a level of competitiveness and cohesion that had been missing in recent years.
Cristobal’s success on the recruiting trail has also set the stage for sustained success. Miami’s 2024 roster featured several young players who made immediate impacts, including true freshman offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa and linebacker Raul Aguirre. With a top-tier recruiting class on the way, the Hurricanes are positioned to build on their success in 2025 and beyond.
Areas for Improvement
While 2024 was a step in the right direction, there are areas Miami must address to take the next step. Defensively, the Hurricanes need more consistency, particularly in the secondary. Upgrades at cornerback and safety will be critical to improving their ability to limit big plays.
On offense, depth at key positions remains a concern. Injuries late in the season exposed a lack of experienced backups at wide receiver and running back, which hampered Miami’s ability to maintain their high-scoring pace.
Special teams also require attention, as several missed field goals and coverage breakdowns cost the Hurricanes valuable points in close games.
A Bright Future
Despite the disappointment of the late-season collapse, Miami’s 2024 campaign can be seen as a turning point for the program. The Hurricanes proved they could compete with the nation’s top teams and reestablished themselves as a force in the ACC.
The No. 18 final ranking is a testament to the progress made under Cristobal’s leadership and the potential for even greater achievements in the years to come. With a strong recruiting class, an experienced core of returning players, and a coaching staff committed to excellence, Miami is well-positioned to contend for conference championships and national relevance moving forward.
Conclusion
The Miami Hurricanes’ 2024 season was a rollercoaster ride, marked by incredible highs and frustrating lows. While the late-season struggles were a disappointment, the team’s overall performance showed significant improvement and set the foundation for a brighter future.
Earning the highest final AP poll ranking since 2017, the Hurricanes took a major step toward returning to the elite ranks of college football. With momentum on their side and a clear vision for the program, Miami fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about what lies ahead.
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