The Miami Hurricanes are officially excluded from the College Football Playoffs.
Miami Hurricanes Snubbed from College Football Playoff: A Bitter Pill to Swallow.
After ESPN stretched out its preamble for nearly an hour, the inevitable news we dreaded but had anticipated for weeks was finally delivered. On Sunday afternoon, the College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket was unveiled, and the Miami Hurricanes found themselves on the outside looking in. Despite an impressive season that saw Miami rise to prominence as one of the top teams in the country, their late-season missteps cost them a spot in the coveted 12-team field.
For much of the 2024 season, Miami stood tall under the leadership of quarterback Cam Ward, who earned both ACC Overall and Offensive Player of the Year honors. The Hurricanes showcased the most potent offense in the nation, dazzling fans and analysts alike. However, November proved to be their undoing. Back-to-back losses on the road—first to Georgia Tech and then to Syracuse in the regular-season finale—derailed their momentum. These defeats not only ended Miami’s dreams of an ACC Championship appearance but also provided the selection committee with the justification they needed to exclude Miami in favor of a Southeastern Conference (SEC) team.
The SEC Bias and Miami’s Stumbles
To be clear, Miami’s absence from the CFP is ultimately their own doing. Losing critical games in the final stretch of the season left the Hurricanes vulnerable. However, it’s hard to ignore the glaring inconsistency in the committee’s decision-making process. A 10-2 Miami squad, boasting the nation’s top-ranked offense, was passed over in favor of a 9-3 SEC team that suffered losses to two 6-6 teams, including a humiliating three-touchdown defeat to the worst Oklahoma team in half a century. This smacks of SEC favoritism—a phenomenon that has long been a point of contention among college football fans and analysts.
Critics of the rankings and seedings extend beyond Miami fans, but as an alum and supporter of the Hurricanes, this analysis will focus on what went wrong for The U. The truth is twofold: Miami was left out of the CFP because they faltered when it mattered most, and the system allowed inherent biases to dictate their fate. Clemson’s victory in the ACC Championship game further complicated matters, solidifying their claim to a CFP berth and shutting Miami out entirely.
A Season of What-Ifs
The disappointment for Miami is profound, and the reasons for their exclusion sting even more given what was at stake this year. The Hurricanes spared no expense in assembling a championship-caliber roster. Their aggressive approach in the transfer portal landed them Cam Ward, widely regarded as the best quarterback in the country, and bolstered a squad brimming with talent on both sides of the ball. This season was meant to be the culmination of their efforts—a return to the national stage for a program that boasts a storied history, including two Heisman Trophy winners at the quarterback position.
The pieces appeared to be in place. The schedule was favorable, the talent undeniable, and the aspirations sky-high. Yet, Miami’s inability to close out games in November not only cost them a chance at the ACC title but also left them at the mercy of a CFP committee that seems perpetually enamored with the SEC. Instead of vying for a national championship, the Hurricanes are now left to settle for a less prestigious bowl game, perhaps the Pop-Tarts Bowl or something equally uninspiring by comparison.
Lessons Learned and Looking Forward
While the snub is undoubtedly painful, it also serves as a wake-up call for the Hurricanes. Miami had everything it needed to control its destiny but fell short in the moments that mattered most. The lesson here is clear: winning the games you’re supposed to win is non-negotiable in the CFP race.
There’s no denying that Miami’s exclusion from the playoffs is a bitter pill to swallow. For the fans, players, and coaching staff, the feeling of “what could have been” will linger. But it’s also an opportunity for the program to reassess and come back stronger. The transfer portal and recruiting efforts have already demonstrated Miami’s willingness to invest in success. With the foundation they’ve built, the Hurricanes are poised to remain a contender in the years to come.
The Road Ahead
The sting of missing out on the CFP will take time to fade, but Miami’s future remains bright. Cam Ward’s legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in program history is already cemented, and his presence has set a standard for excellence that future players will strive to emulate. While this season didn’t end as hoped, it’s a reminder of the thin margin for error in college football and the importance of consistency throughout the season.
For now, Miami fans will have to endure the frustration of watching other teams compete for the national championship. But as the saying goes, there’s always next year. With the right adjustments, continued investment in talent, and a renewed focus on winning critical games, the Hurricanes have the potential to turn this season’s heartbreak into next season’s triumph.
Go Canes
Though the College Football Playoff remains out of reach for this year, the Hurricanes have shown they belong in the conversation among the nation’s elite programs. Their journey to redemption begins now, and Miami faithful can take solace in knowing that the program’s trajectory is pointed upward. The disappointment of today is the fuel for tomorrow’s success. Go Canes!
