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Is this what Miami football is supposed to look like?

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The 2025 NFL draft will tell us how close UM really is to resembling the teams of yesterday which were littered with NFL talent.

But I also think for Mario’s this is really year 1 of what he expects. Even last year was a Cam Ward aberration. From this year forward while Mario is coach I expect UM to be a consistent 10 win team.
 
SJMPARMAN said:
As a very long time fan, started watching Canes (then we called them UM) in the late 1970's, I have seen the best of Miami football and unfortunately the worst of it. We have had some teams that were exceptional on offense, or exceptional on defense, but rarely a team that was both. This team is exceptional on both so far. But it is a long season. Injuries happen. We are loaded depth wise at every position but QB. This team can go far but nothing can happen that would put Beck out for a game or more. As long as he stays healthy we have a chance to win the ACC, make a run in the playoffs or even win it all but he has to be protected. This is one of the best Miami teams I have seen in my lifetime on both sides of the ball. But everything depends on Carson being healthy.
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But QB health was equally important during the Dorsey years. We weren’t winning anything with Crudup at QB.
In fact, the last time I would argue we had true depth at QB was Vinny backing up Bernie in ‘83 and 84, or Gino backing up Erickson in ‘89. And even then, Gino lost to FSU in ‘89 (and wasn’t very good in that game). If Erickson didn’t return that season, UM doesn’t win the championship.
 
AtlAtty said:
The 2025 NFL draft will tell us how close UM really is to resembling the teams of yesterday which were littered with NFL talent.

But I also think for Mario’s this is really year 1 of what he expects. Even last year was a Cam Ward aberration. From this year forward while Mario is coach I expect UM to be a consistent 10 win team.
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I think the 2026 NFL Draft will be the toughest yet for Cristobal.

He'll certainly get his steps in with three Canes in the green room.
 
Not quite yet..

Closest since 2004-2005 though...

Those old teams were electric and showed up for all the big games..

Miami at one point had won 10 straight games vs the no 1 ranked team in the nation....

They had elite depth as well...
 
ShadowSpring said:
I'd say we haven't really ever been built quite like this. Mario's version is the best we've probably ever been on the OL except maybe 2001. We are also the most fyzical we've ever been from top to bottom. We just lack in some ways some skill position guys like Jeremiah....not sure we have any Pro Bowl type skill players.
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It's crazy cause I think the teams from the 80s and 90s were more like this team. Maybe a few more elite stars at the offensive skill positions but really just a lot of guys who want to kick your ***. I was young in the 80s but I feel like we produced most of our top NFL talent on the defensive side of the ball. We had elite QB play tough RBs, and good wideouts but not a ton of offensive skill players that became star NFL players besides the playmaker.

1999-2002 was a different ball game. We were just insanely loaded at every position legit three deep with NFL star talent. This team probably is not that but certainly has all the ingredients to be like some of those 80s and early 90s era teams.

I do love our young talent and I am really excited to see how they mature and develop as the season progresses.
 
Was just a kid at the end of the run, first college game I remember watching well (old enough to really be excited about) was our loss to Ohio State.

That being said the difference I am seeing with this group and was already brought up in the comments (and it was there in pieces going back to 2023) was the professional nature of the way we approach the game. All business baby.

Not something I was able to appreciate at all when I was a kid, due to both my youth and the direction the program went.

The past two years it was definitely there with some position groups and individuals but it wasn’t across the board, even our mercs ebbed and flowed despite the “business” consequences of such; this group appears from the outside to march lockstep.

Looking forward to following the week to week temperature.
 
Sebastian Font said:
While I talked to Cam from StateOfTheU during the USF game, something he said really struck me.

"This is what a Miami team is SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE"

In all honesty I just looked at him and went "Dude I have no clue what a Miami team is supposed to look like"

As a young Miami fan (19), I've only known the Canes as a "has-been" program. And while I absolutely love the players I grew up with (Duke, Kaaya, Perryman, Rambo), I can admit that it's a bit of a drop from your Ed Reed's, Sean Taylor's, and Michael Irvin's of the world. Yes I've watched highlights, yes I've heard the stories about the Orange Bowl, yes I've heard my mother's stories from when she was at the U during the late 80's run.

But I can't comprehend that given all I've ever experienced being November collapses and beatdowns by rivals.

And while I'm excited about this team (I have been since spring practices), I realize that my perception is based off of 19 years of disappointment. So I pose the question to y'all who've seen why the U holds weight.

Is this what a Miami team is supposed to look like?
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My first year watching/going to home games, bowls, and away games in FL was 2000 when I was 6. For three years hence, Miami never lost a game that I was aware of (first games was vs FSU so didn't see Washington) until the 2003 NC vs. OSU (that I attended with my family). I remember 2003-05 and later much better, but IMO this current iteration of Miami looks a lot more UGA or Bama vs. those old Cane teams in many ways.

The old Miami teams were FAST and very explosive. They lived and died on big splash plays: blocked kicks and punts returned for TDs, simple runs and screen passes taken the distance, defensive touchdowns, long pass plays like streaks, short pass plays (like quick slants) broken for huge gains--and last but not least: kicks and punts returned for TDs.

This version of Miami is much more consistent, stable, and physically dominant; it is not nearly as fast, dynamic, or explosive; the QB play is also way better than the early 2000s teams: lest we forget how good Cam and Beck are in actuality.

But make no mistake: those teams were way more talented top to bottom and truly aberrations.
 
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If I had to put a number I would say we are about half way there. Maybe a little more. For example, in the old days we would have scored 42-49 points versus Bethune at halftime and backups would play the second half. The domination was greater though there was probably a lot less parity

But we are trending up
 
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it’s a little bit different because of this team wins all their games. They have four more games that are essentially playoff games to look forward to including the conference championship. The 2001 team only had one game to look forward to. It’s a little bit different and they were also able to stack talentand keep it on the roster. This team will not be able to do that because of the portal, that’s why you have to stop comparing eras. Remember Ohio State won the national championship last year, losing its biggest home game right before the playoffs started. So the ability to guess whether you can win it all has more to do with roster. Instead of comparing Miami versus Miami you’re better off comparing Miami versus other teams are around the country at the present time. If they were to win a natty this year this team would have a better accomplishment than the 01 team although it would remain as the best national champion ever this team winning it all would be a better achievement. But 01 would remain as the goat roster.
 
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JHallCanes said:
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Still lack talent and depth in too many key spots IMO, but I also acknowledge that the days of having great depth across the board is pretty much over. Agree with whoever said the lack of explosive element on ST as well, that is something we haven’t had in a while.

Obviously we are early in the season only having played 3 games but dating all the way back to RS, every coach that had a “good” season, followed it up with a dud. Randy, AG, Manny, it never failed. *Knock on wood* but it appears that trend could change and we could have our first back to back double digit win season since when, 02-03? That is so, so wild but here we are. Some type of sustainability on the field and in April for draft time would go a long way. I’ll know it’s “what it is supposed to look like” when we aren’t consistently struggling with inferior conference opponents 2-3+ times a year and aren’t withering away in November.
 
Went to my first game while my dad was still a student at the U circa 81-82.

This is approaching what we are supposed to look like. Approaching. We aren’t there until opponents are scared and our boys make it look easy while having fun.
 
skyman said:
We would need to completely annihilate acc dreg for me to feel that way.. like getting backups in game in 4th against team we have been in perennial death match wit
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The talent and coordinations are in place to actually do this. I can see Miami clearing the bench agains Florida, Stanford, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech.
 
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rvalenza said:
Agree, best Miami team in over 20 years. But this is a "new" team. Lot's of transfers and true freshman playing meaningful minutes. Those old teams were veteran laden teams. But that's not college ball anymore. I do like the way this team is build from the inside out. Put that together with a talented veteran like Carson Beck and you can really do some things.
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This team is very much so veteran lead. Of the 22 starters 19 of them are considered upperclassmen, meaning they have been in college for at least 3 years, and 15 of them have been in college for 4 years or more. When you look at the second team there is an additional 6 upperclassmen backups on offense (Emory Williams RSO, CharMar Brown RSO, Tony Johnson RSR, Samson Okunlola RSO, Ryan Rodriguez RSR, & Tommy Kinsler RSO) along with an additional 5 upperclassmen as backups on defense (PoPo Aguirre JR, Chase Smith RSR, Ethan O'Connor RSO, Damari Brown RSO, & Isaiah Taylor RSR)

QB Carson Beck 6th year SR
HB Mark Fletcher JR
WR CJ Daniels 5th year SR
WR Keelan Marion 7th year SR
WR Malachi Toney FR
TE Alex Bauman SR
LT Markel Bell SR
LG Matthew McCoy 4th year JR
C James Brockermeyer 5th year SR
RG Anez Cooper SR
RT Francis Mauigoa JR

DE Rueben Bain JR
DT David Blay 5th year SR
DT Ahmad Moten 4th year JR
DE Akheem Mesidor 6th year SR
LB Mohamed Toure 7th year SR
LB Wesley Bissainthe SR
N Keionte Scott 6th year SR
CB OJ Frederique SO
FS Zechariah Poyser 3rd year SO
SS Jakobe Thomas 5th year SR
CB Xavier Lucas SO

Of the potential 44 players in the current two deep 30 of them have been in college 3 years or more, These guys are old and have played a lot of football, there should not be a moment they face that too big for them, and that’s how it’s supposed to look.
 
Rellyrell said:
It’s early, & in my years of being a Canes’ fan, well this new era of Canes’ football, I never get, too, high or low this early in the season. There’s been a lot of chest pumping & thumping after 3 games vs. teams that are now a combined 2-6 on the season.

The ? posed the OP was “Is This What Miami Football Supposed to Look Like?” The real answer is as of 09/16/2025, yes.

Let’s look at the last 3 seasons:

2023 after 3 games 3-0. Notable victory? #23 Texas A&M
2024 after 3 games 3-0. Notable victory? Road game v. UF
2025 after 3 games 3-0. Notable victory? #6 ND

Team Stats After 3 Games:
2023:
Scoring Offense: 17th
Total Offense: 14th
Passing Offense: 15th
Team Passing Efficiency: 9th
Rushing Offense: 40th
Sacks Allowed: 54th
TFLs Allowed: 21st
Scoring Defense: 29th
Total Defense: 28th
Passing Defense: 68th
Def Passing Efficiency: 49th
Rushing Defense: 9th
Sacks: 55th
TFLs: 34th

2024:
Scoring Offense: 5th
Total Offense: 3rd
Passing Offense: 2nd
Team Passing Efficiency: 3rd
Rushing Offense: 33rd
Sacks Allowed: 29th
TFLs Allowed: 13th
Scoring Defense: 15th
Total Defense: 7th
Passing Defense: 13th
Def Passing Efficiency: 5th
Rushing Defense: 12th
Sacks: 3rd
TFLs: 8th

2025:
Scoring Offense: 26th
Total Offense: 22nd
Passing Offense: 21st
Team Passing Efficiency: 17th
Rushing Offense: 58th
Sacks Allowed: 43rd
TFLs Allowed: 2nd
Scoring Defense: 28th
Total Defense: 38th
Passing Defense: 65th
Def Passing Efficiency: 69th
Rushing Defense: 15th
Sacks: 69th
TFLs: 51st

Opponents Combined Record After 3 Games:
2023 - (5-4)
2024 - (4-5)
2025 - (2-6)

Opponents Raw Stat Rankings After 3 Games:
2023:
Miami (OH): 2-1
Total Offense: 98th
Total Defense: 117th

Texas A&M: 2-1
Total Offense: 27th
Total Defense: 38th

BCU: 1-2
FCS Total Offense: 115th
FCS Total Defense: 104th

2024:
UF: 1-2
Total Offense: 72nd
Total Defense: 106th

FAMU: 2-1
FCS Total Offense: 60th
FCS Total Defense: 77th

BSU: 1-2
Total Offense: 126th
Total Defense: 129th

2025:
ND: 0-2
Total Offense: 80th
Total Defense: 108th

BCU: 0-3
FCS Total Offense: 53rd
FCS Total Defense: 113th

USF: 2-1
Total Offense: 86th
Total Defense: 119th

Stats never tell the full story b/c it’s nuanced. However, stats usually give a starting point or a guideline, which is y I tried to be as detailed as possible pertaining to our team stats over the past 3 yrs. It’s been feeling “different” for the past 3 seasons at this juncture. The fact is, we don’t nor will we know until October - November rolls around. The stats show thus far that we’ve improved in some areas, while declining in others.

The argument can be made that we started the season off with better opponents in Notre Dame & USF, but even then that’s left to be determined. USF beat a UF team that was clearly overhyped & now has a dead man walking as a coach, while also defeating a Boise State team that looks to be a shell of its former self w/o its uber star RB.

Notre Dame has taken a precipitous step back on Defense, & Carr looks to be a promising young player, but lacks the veteran leadership and knack that Riley brought.

So we don’t know, & even after we throttle UF this Saturday, the real test won’t come until we play our first road game vs. a revamped FSU team. Let’s talk then.
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Take yo logic and reason *** the FOH

It’s koolaid bathing season Rells!

Tf????
 
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Hstokes1447 said:
This team is very much so veteran lead. Of the 22 starters 19 of them are considered upperclassmen, meaning they have been in college for at least 3 years, and 15 of them have been in college for 4 years or more. When you look at the second team there is an additional 6 upperclassmen backups on offense (Emory Williams RSO, CharMar Brown RSO, Tony Johnson RSR, Samson Okunlola RSO, Ryan Rodriguez RSR, & Tommy Kinsler RSO) along with an additional 5 upperclassmen as backups on defense (PoPo Aguirre JR, Chase Smith RSR, Ethan O'Connor RSO, Damari Brown RSO, & Isaiah Taylor RSR)

QB Carson Beck 6th year SR
HB Mark Fletcher JR
WR CJ Daniels 5th year SR
WR Keelan Marion 7th year SR
WR Malachi Toney FR
TE Alex Bauman SR
LT Markel Bell SR
LG Matthew McCoy 4th year JR
C James Brockermeyer 5th year SR
RG Anez Cooper SR
RT Francis Mauigoa JR

DE Rueben Bain JR
DT David Blay 5th year SR
DT Ahmad Moten 4th year JR
DE Akheem Mesidor 6th year SR
LB Mohamed Toure 7th year SR
LB Wesley Bissainthe SR
N Keionte Scott 6th year SR
CB OJ Frederique SO
FS Zechariah Poyser 3rd year SO
SS Jakobe Thomas 5th year SR
CB Xavier Lucas SO

Of the potential 44 players in the current two deep 30 of them have been in college 3 years or more, These guys are old and have played a lot of football, there should not be a moment they face that too big for them, and that’s how it’s supposed to look.
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Well, I can't refute that! I guess I'll just say with the portal there's going to be more turnover than usual. Very important you bring in the right guys that fit in with your culture.
 
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