1. Will the defense improve from 2024?

The Hurricanes’ defense was the team’s downfall in 2024. Despite having the nation’s top offense, the defense ranked 68th in the nation in points allowed per game and 52nd in SP+, an ESPN prediction and rankings model. UM coach Mario Cristobal was determined to try to improve the defense during the offseason, firing defensive coordinator Lance Guidry and replacing him with former Minnesota coordinator Corey Hetherman, whose Golden Gophers defense was 11th in SP+. With Rueben Bain Jr. leading the defensive line and a whole host of new defensive backs who arrived via the portal, the Hurricanes are hoping this year’s defense is significantly better than last year’s defense.

2. Can Carson Beck fill Cam Ward’s shoes?

Cristobal struck gold in the portal in 2024, swaying Cam Ward from entering the NFL draft. It paid off for Miami and for Ward; the Hurricanes had the best offense in the country, and Ward improved his draft stock and went No. 1 in the NFL draft. Carson Beck is looking to do the same. The former Georgia star went 24-3 as the Bulldogs’ starter. He had an excellent 2023 season, but his numbers declined last season. Beck also underwent offseason elbow surgery after suffering a UCL tear in the SEC title game. Beck is fully healthy now, but can he take Miami’s offense to the same heights Ward did?

3. Will receivers step up to replace Xavier Restrepo and others?

The Hurricanes lost top receiver Xavier Restrepo to the NFL after last season. The Broward County native left UM as the program’s all-time leader in catches and receiving yards. But Miami also lost its five other top pass-catchers: tight end Elijah Arroyo, wide receivers Sam Brown Jr., Jacolby George and Isaiah Horton, as well as running back Damien Martinez. The returning pass-catcher with the most yards is tight end Elija Lofton, who had nine catches for 150 yards last season. Miami added three transfer receivers — CJ Daniels, Tony Johnson and Keelan Marion — and two transfer tight ends, Alex Bauman and Jack Nickel, to try to find potential contributors in the passing game. They also have returnees like Ray Ray Joseph, Jojo Trader and Ny Carr who could step up. Freshmen Josh Moore and Malachi Toney are also battling for playing time. UM will need some of those players to perform this year.

4. Is the offensive line the best in the nation?

Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal have spent years building up Miami’s offensive line. It has been a strength of the team for the last couple of years. But this year’s line may be their best work yet at UM. Former five-star prospect Francis Mauigoa, entering his third season as the starting right tackle, is projected to be a top pick in next year’s draft. Right guard Anez Cooper, left guard Matthew McCoy and left tackle Markel Bell all started last year. New center James Brockermeyer, the third starting transfer in the last three years, has meshed well into the unit. And the offensive line also has depth, with players like Samson Okunlola, Tommy Kinsler IV and Ryan Rodriguez ready to fill in if needed.

5. Can the Hurricanes take the next step?

Miami had the No. 1 offense in the nation last year. It had the No. 1 pick in the draft at quarterback. It had a 1,000-yard rusher and a 1,000-yard receiver. And yet the Hurricanes were sitting at home, watching the ACC title game and the College Football Playoff. Thanks to Cristobal’s work in the portal and in high school recruiting, Miami appears to be more talented than it has been in the last three years with Cristobal leading the way. Last season showed the Hurricanes can contend for the conference and playoffs. This year is the time to prove they can make it.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/08/25/five-burning-questions-facing-the-hurricanes-in-2025/