The Athlon Sports media site has released its predictions for the ACC standings by the end of the year. The Miami Hurricanes are ranked second in the ACC, just behind the top-ranked Clemson Tigers, coached by Dabo Swinney.
Athlon Sports writer Steven Lassan shared his thoughts on the Hurricanes, stating that Miami has significantly revamped its secondary by bringing in two new coaches, Will Harris and Zac Etheridge, along with high-profile transfer portal defensive backs such as Xavier Lucas (#1 CB), Zechariah Poyser (#2 S), Ethan O'Connor (#10 CB), and Charles Brantley (#12 CB).
Additionally, Miami has acquired the top transfer portal quarterback in the country, Carson Beck. He will be throwing to wide receiver CJ Daniels (from LSU) and tight end Alex Bauman (from Tulane), while taking snaps from James Brockermeyer (from TCU).
Here is what Athlon Sports writer Steven Lassan had to say about the Hurricanes:
"Miami’s 10-3 record in 2024 was the program’s best mark under coach Mario Cristobal. However, the season was also a missed opportunity. A late November loss to Syracuse cost the ‘Canes a chance to play for the ACC Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Thanks to Cristobal’s outstanding recruiting, Miami has the potential to erase last year’s disappointment with another run at the postseason. Miami must replace its top quarterback (Cam Ward), leading rusher (Damien Martinez), and its top five statistical receiving options from ‘24. However, this unit may not miss a beat if Georgia transfer quarterback Carson Beck is healthy after suffering a season-ending elbow injury in the SEC Championship. The Hurricanes can also lean on a standout offensive line and deep stable of running backs (headlined by Mark Fletcher). The receiving corps is expected to be a work in progress during the ‘25 season, but transfers CJ Daniels (LSU), Keelan Marion (BYU), and Tony Johnson (Cincinnati), and promising sophomore Joshisa Trader give Beck a solid group. After giving up 30.8 points in ACC play and struggling to stop the pass, Cristobal revamped the defense this offseason by hiring Minnesota coordinator Corey Hetherman. Additionally, a handful of defensive backs from the portal were added to shore up a leaky secondary. A healthy year from defensive end Rueben Bain should make a big difference in the pass rush and overall play of the front. Optimism is high in Coral Gables for improvement on this side of the ball."
Check out the full rankings down below:
Athlon Sports ACC Conference Rankings
1. Clemson
2. Miami
3. SMU
4. Louisville
5. Georgia Tech
6. Duke
7. Florida State
8. Pittsburgh
9. North Carolina
10. NC State
11. Virginia Tech
12. Boston College
13. Syracuse
14. Virginia
15. California
16. Wake Forest
17. Stanford
