Welcome back, Canes fans!
As we head toward the 2025 season, the bar has been raised for the Miami Hurricanes. To discuss and debate the expectations and outlook, here’s the annual roundtable discussion to preview the season.
Let’s get into the discussion:
Question 1: What are your expectations for year 4 of the Mario Cristobal era?
Cam Underwood: Much like 2024, my expectations for this season are sky high. Mario Cristobal has preached about “building this thing the right way”, and has made many moves to upgrade the coaching staff, support staff, and roster to get it to the level
needed to contend for championships. Last year, I wrote that it was time for everyone to lean into expectations. Double that for this year.
The floor for this season is 10-2, a trip to Charlotte for the ACC Championship game, and the College Football Playoff beyond. Those are my expectations for this year. Cristobal has preached getting better yearly, winning more games yearly, going further yearly. Further than last year is Charlotte and the CFP. There isn’t a part of this roster or program that is substandard like last year’s secondary. So my expectations are to be in the conversation at the top of the CFB world from here on out. It’s incumbent upon Miami to deliver, but that’s their issue, not mine.
Justin Dottavio: For a guy that preaches ‘accountability,’ Miami finished the 2024 season 118th in penalty yards allowed per game. And many of the team’s penalties seemed to pop up at the least opportune times. Jacolby George was a huge culprit for boneheaded, ill-timed penalties but he’s gone. Now it’s up to Cristobal to practice what he preaches and have one of his most frequent talking points come to fruition- having a disciplined ball club.
Winning close games comes down to things like penalties, kicking, and clock management. Mario improved his clock management until the Syracuse game. Now I’m curious to see how Bert Auburn does as PK. A CEO head coach should be very concerned with kicking and culture.
Craig T. Smith: The playoff. Nothing more, nothing less. FINALLY getting an ACC Championship would be nice, but when that final 12 is revealed, I had better see Miami’s name there. Doing so would mean that Mario’s in-game coaching has improved, and they’ve finally shown the mental fortitude to go to cold places like Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech late in the year and win. No excuses. Playoff or bust.
KappaCane: ACCCG victors and a CFP berth. Anything less is going to be a disappointment.
Mike Schiffman: CFP. Mario Cristobal was brought to Miami to get the Hurricanes back to competing for national championships. The Canes should have made it last season, and hopefully Coach Cristobal learned his lesson on why they didn’t. I don’t want to think about watching yet another year of the CFP Playoffs without Miami involved. I can’t. I won’t.
Jake Marcus: Finish the season with conviction in meaningful games. That is, the ACC Championship and the Playoffs. The problem with Cristobal’s Miami tenure to date is that he can dominate on the recruiting trail but has fallen short and the in game decision making has left a lot to be desired. The Canes had a shot at an ACC title and playoff game but fell short in a disaster class. Playing meaningless football down the stretch could be the writing on the wall for Mario.
Rob Weaver: Same as last year – to play games in November that matter. Hurricanes are trending in the right direction, but lest we forget that not long ago Miami was regularly limping into November with 3 or 4 losses and without a hope of a relevant December. A bounce here, an injury there, and things can quickly go off the rails for any team. Miami is marching towards a standard of regular playoff and conference championship game appearances, but the standard first has to be playing meaningful football in November. For this season, that means we should have at most 1 or 2 losses and control our playoff and conference championship destiny after SMU on Nov. 1st.
Jordan Lopez: Expectations for year four of the Mario Cristobal era are pretty simple for me. Miami should and needs to play on December 6th in Charlotte. In other words, play in the ACC Championship game. Cristobal has had a few years to establish the culture he wants in the program and bring in the players he wants in the building. Now it’s time to see the program return to its former glory and compete for national championships, and that starts with making the conference title game. Doing so will likely secure their spot in the CFP, and this team has the talent to do so. There will be more parity than ever in college football this year, and Miami has a golden opportunity to take advantage of it.
Question 2: Miami had the #1 offense in America last year. What are your expectations for that unit this year?
Underwood: I expect a bit of a drop off, but not much, really. I think the pieces are in place for a top-10-to-15 offense in the country. I think the efficiency will continue to be high, and the explosion will be there, but it will come in a different way, since Cam Ward and Carson Beck play Quarterback differently. I know the QB, RB, and top 6 receivers (including the aforementioned RB) are gone from last year’s offense, but there is a metric TON of talent on this offense. We’ll be fine.
Dottavio: I’m expecting a top-10 offense per SP+. Whether the ‘Canes score as many points is another story. Hopefully they won’t have to (ie. the defense is fixed). This O-Line is a top-5 unit in the country and Mark Fletcher, et al. are a damn good backfield group. Pound the rock, play-action, hit some screens and let Beck throw the intermediate routes he’s good at.
Smith: I really like the offensive line and rushing attack, so that’s obviously a great foundation to build on. The Carson Beck slander this season has really annoyed me. His receivers were dreadful last year at Georgia. If this group of pass catchers can be just decent, this passing attack should still be effective in 2025. I’m not expecting last year’s numbers, as that was a generational group.
Kappa: I think Miami will surprise the country again. We have the talent and scheme to be #1 again this season, but the question mark for me will be the young and unproven wide receiver group. As they go, so shall the team.
Schiffman: I am confident in Carson Beck’s ability to lead a really good offense in Coral Gables this season. I think it will be a balanced attack with the talent Miami possesses on the offensive line and in their backfield. The Canes should have one of, if not the best, offense in the ACC this year.
Marcus: The Canes lost a lot of weapons on offense and Beck is coming back from injury. With one of the best offensive line units in the nation, it may be a different game plan compared to the aerial attack Shannon Dawson was able to unleash with the likes of Ward, Restrepo, and Damien Martinez. It is possible Beck comes out a little rusty, which he cannot afford to be against Notre Dame, but the offense has a lot of potential once it is able to click.
Weaver: Frankly, pretty darn close to last year. WR in the only position of question on offense, and there’s so many blue chip recruits there that SOMEBODY has to step up. Every other unit should be expected to be Top 10 in the nation.
Lopez: Expectations for this offense this year for me are to be a top-20 offense in the country. We were spoiled last season with the offense and Cam Ward putting up 42.9 points per game. This year’s offense won’t be close to that historic offense that we witnessed, but they can still easily average over 30 points per game. With the defense that should be much improved this year, the offense shouldn’t feel like they have to score every drive and be under immense pressure. I’d be happy with over 30 points and 420 total yards per game for the offense. By last season’s metrics, that’s a top-20 offense, and that should be the expectation.
Question 3: Let’s talk about the signal caller leading the offense. What are your thoughts and expectations for new starting QB Carson Beck?
Underwood: I know Georgia continues to leak stuff about Beck having issues in the locker room, but that’s sour grapes IMO. Beck is among the most talented and accomplished quarterbacks in the country, and I fully expect him to continue to showcase that with the Canes in 2025. I fully expect him to push towards 4,000 yards and 25+ TDs this year, playing on a team with a better offensive line, better running game, and (hopefully) far, FAR fewer dropped passes than Georgia had last year. Those last 3 issues (mid-to-bad OL, next to last ranked run game in the SEC/Georgia’s worst statistical rushing attack in 30 years, and the most drops in the country BY FAR) created issues that Beck tried to singlehandedly overcome. I think Beck has a chip on his shoulder, plenty to prove, and the team with which to prove it.
Dottavio: I don’t expect Beck to be Cam Ward and in some instances that’s a good thing. I think Beck is going to take his check downs, push the ball out quicker, and I’m hoping we see 2023 Beck and limit turnovers. A few of those Ward miracle comebacks (Cal, VT) were also because he made mistakes early in the game and had to pull the magic out of his hat. The onus this year should be on the running game and TE’s while letting Beck work on who is the best WR for him from a weird group.
Smith: He’s not going to be Ward, and I don’t expect him to be. I think he’s a very good quarterback who knows how to read a defense well and can execute Shannon Dawson’s offense at a solid level. If he can get a reliable receiver or two to emerge in September, look out.
Kappa: Carson has all of the talent, the experience, and the intangibles, and I fully expect that he’s going to command the offense and lead this team. There’s a lot at stake for him so I think he’s taking the opportunity seriously and the buzz around Fall camp is he’s been sharp and in control of the offense.
Schiffman: I am excited to see what he can do when he is healthy and playing behind an awesome offensive line, and alongside some stud running backs and athletic receivers with star potential. Carson Beck should have a bounce-back season that will greatly improve his NFL Draft stock.
Marcus: Beck should eventually click especially because he will have plenty of time to work behind a solid offensive line. However, it may not be immediate fireworks like Ward last year. Beck missed part of the offseason due to his shoulder injury late last fall and is entering a new offense. A tough Notre Dame defense will likely give Beck fits in the opener, but he should settle in and, with suitable protection from the line, replicate the things he did at Georgia two years ago as the new look offense comes together.
Weaver: I have very high expectations for Beck. He’s one year removed from being a pre-season Heisman favorite, and this year he’s getting trashed on because nobody at Georgia could catch a ball. Despite arriving in a cloud of social media hype, all reports are that he’s done everything right in the offseason to build team trust and respect. For me, one of the best signs is that Dawson is giving him full audible control at the line.
Lopez: Beck is walking into an offense that just had a historic year last season and a Heisman finalist at quarterback. The expectations of many people will be to mimic what was done last year, but that’s simply unfair. I expect Beck to throw for over 3,600 passing yards and complete 67% of his passes. He’ll dance around the 27-31 passing touchdowns mark as Miami might lean more on the run game this year. The big part is limiting the turnovers he was growing accustomed to last season. I believe he cuts down on it and throws single-digit interceptions. The last but most underrated part is staying ahead of the chains and limiting the sacks. He was sacked 18 times last season at Georgia, which is a relatively low number, but I think it’s even better this year. Beck can return to Heisman form without being asked to do a lot, and that’ll be ideal for the Hurricanes.
Question 4: Which offensive position is the strongest for Miami in 2025?
Underwood: Others are going to say Offensive Line, and they’re not wrong. But I want to highlight another position group that’s at the same level of strength: Running Back. There are 4 starting caliber backs in Mark Fletcher Jr., Jordan Lyle, Girard Pringle Jr., and CharMar “Marty” Brown. And Chris Wheatley-Humphrey has tons of speed and potential as well. I know the OL is gonna get all the headlines, but Shannon Dawson said in the Monday presser that he expects to run an RB-by-committee offense. That’s due to the elite talent all over the RB room, and that’s my pick for this answer.
Dottavio: Offensive line. Miami will miss Jalen Rivers and his versatility and experience. But there are plenty of bodies to throw at LT and LG between Okunlola, Kinsler, McCoy, and Rodriguez. The new center is the same as the old center- a good player that probably will be a UDFA and that’s fine. As expected, a team with two OL coaches in key roles on staff has a great OL.
Smith: Offensive line. Francis Mauigoa needs no explanation. He’ll be someone’s first-round pick in April. Jalen Rivers is a tough loss, but if Markel Bell can live up to his frame, then the Canes will be strong on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Excited to see James Brockenmeyer in the middle. I think he’s going to have a very nice year.
Kappa: Without a doubt it’s gonna be the OLine. The size, speed, and depth at that position is insane. Shout out to Coach Mirabal.
Schiffman: Offensive line. Francis Mauigoa is an NFL talent already. Markel Bell is a mammoth human being who seems to be improving with every snap. The interior has talent and cohesion as well. I am pumped to see how well this unit protects Carson Beck, while also opening up the running game for Miami’s talented backfield.
Marcus: Offensive line. Led by projected top ten pick and former five star, Mauigoa, Beck and the running game should be able to thrive. Veterans in Cooper, Bell, and Brockermeyer provide stalwarts across the starting formation, and then the depth options led by Samson Okunlola provide some extra insurance.
Weaver: Offensive line. It’s easy to talk about Mauigoa and Cooper and all the talent, but finally…FINALLY…there’s depth there in case there’s an injury. The second unit includes two five-star recruits (Okunlola and Alofaituli) plus a slew of former four star recruits that have had several years on campus.
Lopez: Easily the offensive line. Francis Mauigoa will be a first-round pick in this upcoming NFL Draft and will anchor down the right side of the line. The heart and soul of the unit is Anez Cooper, who lines up right next to Mauigoa. That right side of the line is arguably the best in the country, and opposing defenses will have trouble getting through them. Markel Bell is at LT, and he is a staggering 6’9. The depth of this unit is also impressive. Miami has two ESPN five-star recruits as backups in Seuseu Alofaituli and Samson Okunlola, who have a very bright future ahead of them with Cristobal and Mirabal coaching them. A lot of teams hope they can have the depth the Hurricanes have, and it’s all a credit to Cristobal and his staff.
Question 5: Which offensive position is weakest/most concerning?
Underwood: Only because the turnover is so great, and the proven production is effectively zero: Wide Receiver. Last year, Miami rotated 4 dudes at Receiver all year (Sam Brown, Jacolby George, Isaiah Horton, and Xavier Restrepo) because they were far and away the best options. The room was top heavy to the extreme, and that means there is nothing but opportunity for others this year. While guys like C.J. Daniels and Tony Johnson have been successful elsewhere, they even come with questions. And, when you combine that with all of the youngsters in the room — Ray Ray Joseph, Ny Carr, JoJo Trader, Chance Robinson, Malachi Toney, Daylyn Upshaw, Josh Moore — there are more questions (and options) than answers entering the season at Receiver.
Dottavio: Wide Receiver. People underestimate how hard it is to replace Xavier Restrepo let alone Restrepo and George. For all of George’s boneheaded moves George was good for 16 TD’s over the last two seasons and ~15ypc. 10 guys are battling for three spots and I’m curious as to see the rotation for ND and UF.
Smith: It’s boring, but I’ve got to go with the wideouts as well. You don’t lose your top four receivers and not be very concerned, especially with so much young and unproven talent on the roster that’s being called upon to contribute significantly this year. I like the vibes around CJ Daniels from this offseason and have high hopes for him. But some of the pups are going to have to grow up quickly this year with two marquee rivalry games in the first four weeks.
Kappa: Oddly enough, I’ll say the QB room. If Carson were to be sidelined, realistically who is primed to step up and lead this team? That’s in addition to the WR group being relatively inexperienced at the collegiate level. I see this as the most concerning position solely because of the responsibility of the singular person in that role. There’s only 1 guy on the field at that position on any given play and while its easy for Receivers to be swapped out… QB’s, not so much.
Schiffman: The clear answer is wide receiver. Quick story: I attended the Georgia Tech game last season in Atlanta. There was a Miami fan sitting by me who attends every home game and seemed to be fairly plugged in with the team. He told me that day that Isaiah Horton was gone after the season because he wasn’t happy with the Canes paying Sam Brown to come in from Houston. Turns out that guy was probably right. I wish Horton was still on the team; it would make me feel so much better about the unit overall. That said, I am excited to see Jojo Trader make the leap and be a primetime wideout in 2025.
Marcus: Wide Receiver but that is only because of the key losses. I mean, Restrepo just broke every Miami receiving record. That will not be easy to replace. That said, Ray Ray Joseph, Joshisa Trader, and Ny Carr all had an opportunity to watch X every day and have an opportunity to take the reins. CJ Daniels has an SEC background, while Tony Johnson and Keelan Marion have plenty of college level experience. Only issue is the three wideout transfers have had underwhelming production at their power four destinations. It could be a tight end heavy scheme unless and until someone breaks through among the WR corps.
Weaver: Wide Receiver. It’s not weak, there’s plenty of talent, but it’s unproven. You can’t lose your top five pass catchers from the No. 1 offense in the nation and not be concerned.
Lopez: It has to be the wide receiver room despite having tons of talent. Miami lost its top six pass catchers from last season, but it’s a great time to see the young guys finally make their stamp in the college football world. Everyone is excited for Joshisa “JoJo” Trader (rightfully so), as there are some other receivers that can make a big impact this year. Transfers CJ Daniels and Tony Johnson should boost the room with experience, but since this position group hasn’t had a lot of playing time, it’s by default the weakest/most concerning on the offense due to the unknowns. However, on a positive note, there is a lot of talent in this room that can be showcased week after week.
Question 6: Who is your breakout player on offense (not Carson Beck), and why?
Underwood: WR Malachi Toney. Call me a hype beast. Call me naive. But I’m all-in on Toney stepping onto the field and making a name for himself. He’s one of those guys who has been the best player on the field in every game he’s played, and I’m super excited to see him play for the Canes. If this was last year and Miami had the 4 horsemen at WR and nobody else played, I wouldn’t have this response. But with nothing in front of him but time and opportunity, I’m betting on Toney to continue his rapid ascension and become the next star 17 year old receiver to be the talk of the CFB world.
Dottavio: It had better be Elija Lofton after all of this hype as the next Jeremy Portis-Irvin. He’s been granted the Heisman by many ‘Hurricane experts’ as it is based on a fake punt in a bowl game and some practice reps. But really he needs to replace Elijah Arroyo’s production which was 16.9 yards per grab and seven TD’s. If he can score 7-8 times I think that’s a ‘breakout’ year.
Smith: I’ve said a wide receiver needs to breakout – and hopefully multiple will – but I feel like the player best set up to breakout is TE Elija Lofton. Elijah Arroyo thrived last year, and Shannon Dawson showed he knows how to draw up things for receiving threats at the position in his offense. With such a question mark at the receiver spot, that could mean an exclamation point for Arroyo in 2025.
Kappa: I want to see Ray Ray breakout, but I think it’s going to be JoJo. The receiver room is deep, but young, and both guys have the goods to get it done. Don’t sleep on Chance Robinson either.
Schiffman: Running back Jordan Lyle. I was listening to Bruce Feldman on Ryen Russillo’s podcast a few weeks ago and he said how excited Miami’s coaching staff is about him. They also said Lyle was their next great running back, like Clinton Portis and Willis McGahee level great. I’m all for it. I think he is a home run hitter who will see more and more time on the field as the season progresses.
Marcus: Joshisa “JoJo” Trader. In spite of dealing with some injuries, JoJo sniffed some big game experience with his first collegiate touchdown in the Pop-Tarts Bowl last winter. And coming into 2025, the Canes need a wide receiver to step it up and breakthrough. As the passing attack begins to mesh, JoJo, a former four star recruit, has as good of a shot as anyone to get it done.
Weaver: Plenty of wide receivers to pick from, but I’m going with Jordan Lyle. Sitting third in the depth chart last year, Lyle made the most of his opportunities as a true freshman, and I expect him to have a breakout season as the lightning to Mark Fletcher’s thunder. This is going to be a more run-oriented offense than last year, and I anticipate Lyle will have a couple of games this year where he just goes off on an opposing team.
Lopez: Since I am a wide receiver guy, I’ll be going with the true freshman out of West Broward, Joshua Moore. The 6’4 playmaker is a freak athlete and has been getting tons of praise throughout camp. I was one of the happiest people on earth when Miami flipped him from the Gators, and I truly believe he becomes a player that Beck goes to whenever the offense needs a big play. Moore should get playing time this season and make an instant impact. He has the prototypical size and speed you want in a receiver. Usually, true freshmen are not your typical breakout player candidates, but I view Moore highly, and he’ll introduce himself to the college football world immediately.
And that brings us to the end of the first part of our SOTU 2025 season roundtable. Which contributor do you most align your thoughts with? Who is WAY off base?
Talk it up, Canes fam. We’re back with part 2 of our roundtable soon.
