Grading The Hurricanes: Inside What The Miami’s Strengths And Weaknesses For The 2024 Season And More
If the Miami Hurricanes aim for a successful 2024 season, contend for the Atlantic Coast Conference title, and potentially make it to the expanded College Football Playoff, they will need to rely on numerous new players. Up to a dozen individuals expected to start or play significant roles have joined the team via the transfer portal this year, in addition to a promising freshman class that could contribute as well. Here’s a position-by-position overview of the team as they gear up for their season opener against the Florida Gators on August 31 in Gainesville.
QUARTERBACKS | A-
Cam Ward became the team’s focal point when he opted to transfer from Washington State instead of entering the NFL draft. He’s the preseason ACC Player of the Year and a dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy, providing Miami with a strong player at a key offensive position for their ACC push and potential College Football Playoff aspirations. Reese Poffenbarger, also a transfer from FCS Albany, along with sophomore Emory Williams, will serve as backups to Ward.
RUNNING BACKS | B+
Alongside Ward, Miami secured another veteran running back, Damien Martinez, from the Pac-12, known for his ability to carry a heavy load as the primary back. However, Miami’s running back group is deeper than just Martinez. Mark Fletcher Jr. and Ajay Allen were part of a four-player committee in 2023, combining for 875 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Chris Johnson, Jordan Lyle, and Chris Wheatley-Humphrey round out the group, providing Miami with six solid options in the backfield.
WIDE RECEIVERS | A- The Hurricanes feature three strong receivers in seniors Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George, and Sam Brown, each capable of achieving 1,000-yard seasons. George and Brown, who transferred from Houston, are explosive playmakers on the outside, while Restrepo offers a reliable slot option for Ward. Additionally, true freshmen Joshisa “JoJo” Trader and Ny Carr have impressed during camp, and redshirt sophomore Isaiah Horton is also expected to make significant progress this season.
TIGHT ENDS | C This group has a lot of potential with redshirt junior Elijah Arroyo, true freshman Elija Lofton, and ninth-year senior Cam McCormick, but until they deliver on the field, it remains just potential. Arroyo has struggled to make an impact due to injuries over the past two seasons. Lofton is a four-star recruit from the esteemed Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. McCormick was Miami’s primary starter last season but primarily functioned as a blocker. If any of them can establish a significant role in the passing game, it would provide another asset for Ward.
OFFENSIVE LINE | A- The Hurricanes bring back three starters from last year’s offensive line: fifth-year junior Jalen Rivers, sophomore Francis Mauigoa, and junior Anez Cooper. Rivers will play left tackle, Cooper will be at right guard, and Mauigoa is set for either left guard or right tackle. Fifth-year senior Zach Carpenter, who transferred from Indiana, will step in at center. The battle for the fifth position will likely be between redshirt freshman Samson Okulona (right tackle or left guard) and redshirt sophomore Matthew McCoy (left guard). Ryan Rodriguez is expected to be a top backup on the interior line.
DEFENSIVE LINE | A The Hurricanes have a formidable defensive line. It begins with sophomore end Rueben Bain Jr., who was named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Akheem Mesidor, Tyler Baron, and Elijah Alston complete the rotation on the edge. On the inside, the lineup will be led by three transfers: C.J. Clark, Marley Cook, and Simeon Barrow Jr. Together, they bring a wealth of experience with a combined total of 125 games played, 243 tackles, 45 tackles for loss, and 25 sacks from their previous teams before joining the Hurricanes.
LINEBACKERS | B- Francisco Mauigoa’s choice to return to Miami for his redshirt senior year greatly strengthens the linebacker unit. Last season, Mauigoa topped the ACC with 18 tackles for loss and will continue to be a key leader for the group. Alongside him, junior Wesley Bissainthe aims to progress further in his second starting season. Additionally, Jaylin Alderman, a transfer from Louisville, and sophomore Raul “Papo” Aguirre Jr. are anticipated to see considerable playing time.
DEFENSIVE BACKS | B- The secondary is seeing the most changes on the defense, with only fifth-year senior Daryl Porter Jr. returning as a starter from last season. Jadais Richard is set to start alongside Porter, while sophomore Damari Brown is expected to take most of the reps at nickel corner. Washington transfer Mishael Powell will occupy one safety position, while the other will likely be shared among redshirt sophomores Jaden Harris and Markeith Williams, along with true freshman Zaquan Patterson. Additionally, Miami has Marshall transfer Dyoni Hill and true freshman Romanas “OJ” Frederique available for any necessary roles.
SPECIAL TEAMS | A Kicker Andres Borregales returns for his senior season, boasting an impressive 83.6 percent success rate on career field goals (56 out of 67) and having converted 121 of 122 extra-point attempts. Last year, freshman Dylan Joyce averaged 43.8 yards per punt, with 15 of his 43 punts landing inside the opponent’s 20-yard line and seven traveling over 50 yards.