Was the 2024 Miami Season a Success? Eight Observations Regarding the Current and Future of the Hurricanes
The University of Miami Hurricanes football team has long been a fixture of college football’s elite. A storied program known for its dominance in the 1980s and 2000s, Miami has faced challenges in recent years as it has navigated through rebuilding phases. As the 2024 season concludes, there is a renewed sense of optimism among Hurricanes fans. However, the question remains: Was the 2024 season a success? To answer this, it’s essential to break down the team’s performance and reflect on where the program stands and where it’s headed.
Here are eight key observations to evaluate the Hurricanes’ 2024 season and provide insight into the program’s future.
1. Improvement in Program Stability Under Cristobal
One of the most significant takeaways from the 2024 Miami season is the continued progress of head coach Mario Cristobal’s tenure. After taking the reins in 2022, Cristobal faced the enormous task of returning Miami to national relevance after years of inconsistency. The 2024 season marked a pivotal moment, as the Hurricanes seemed to take a significant step forward under his leadership.
While Miami didn’t reach the playoff picture or secure a conference title, the program’s stability has noticeably improved. The defense has become more disciplined and tougher, and Cristobal’s recruitment efforts have paid dividends in assembling a roster that has more talent across the board. His emphasis on building a winning culture is apparent, though the program is still a work in progress. However, Cristobal’s leadership in shaping the team’s identity is an encouraging sign that the program is on the right path.
2. Quarterback Play Still a Concern
While the Hurricanes showed flashes of potential in various games, the quarterback position continues to be a point of concern. Tyler Van Dyke, a promising quarterback entering the season, faced inconsistencies throughout the year. There were moments when he demonstrated why he was once considered one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC, but there were also games where his decision-making and performance were less than stellar.
In college football, a great quarterback can be the difference-maker for a program, and Miami has yet to find a stable and elite presence at this position. The Hurricanes’ struggles under center likely cost them opportunities to compete with the top teams in the ACC and nationally. This remains one of the critical areas for Miami to address as Cristobal recruits future quarterbacks, and the team’s ability to bring in a consistent playmaker at this position will significantly impact their trajectory.
3. Defensive Growth and Strength
One of the brightest spots of the 2024 season was the growth of Miami’s defense. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, the Hurricanes made significant strides in improving their defensive play. Miami finished the season as one of the stronger defensive units in the ACC, which was a major improvement over previous seasons.
The defensive line, led by a mix of experienced veterans and talented recruits, provided pressure on opposing quarterbacks, while the linebackers displayed speed and physicality. Miami’s defense was often able to stifle opponents in critical moments, helping the team stay competitive in tough games.
Moreover, the emergence of young talent, including standout freshmen and sophomores, gives hope for the future. If Miami can continue to recruit at a high level on defense, they have the potential to build a unit that can contend with the best in the country.
4. Special Teams Struggles
One of the biggest weaknesses of the 2024 Miami season was the special teams play. Special teams is often an overlooked aspect of a team’s performance, but it can have a significant impact on the outcome of games. In Miami’s case, poor kicking, inconsistent punt returns, and subpar coverage units led to costly mistakes throughout the season.
In several close losses, special teams miscues led to field position disadvantages or even direct points for the opposition. While special teams play may not be glamorous, it is an area that Miami must address in the coming years if they want to take the next step as a program. Consistent and reliable special teams could be the difference between an average season and a championship-caliber one.
5. Offensive Line Progress and Challenges
The offensive line has been one of the most scrutinized areas of Miami’s program in recent years. In 2024, the line showed clear signs of improvement, especially in run blocking. The Hurricanes’ running game was more effective than in previous years, and players like Don Chaney Jr. and Henry Parrish had success when given space.
However, the offensive line still struggles with pass protection at times, which contributed to the team’s offensive inconsistency. With Miami’s continued focus on building the trenches, this group could develop into one of the best in the ACC in the coming years. If Cristobal can address the remaining issues with his offensive line, it will make a significant difference for both the running game and, more importantly, the quarterback play.
6. Recruiting Momentum Is Strong
Miami’s recruiting efforts have been consistently strong since Mario Cristobal’s arrival, and 2024 was no different. The Hurricanes have been able to attract highly-ranked recruits, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Miami’s ability to land high-profile recruits in key positions shows that the program is building a foundation of talent that can contend for championships in the near future.
Cristobal’s connections to high school football in Florida, along with his reputation as a recruiter, have played a key role in Miami’s success on the recruiting trail. If this momentum continues, the Hurricanes will have the talent needed to challenge the perennial powerhouses of the ACC and College Football Playoffs.
7. Close Losses: A Sign of Progress or a Missed Opportunity?
One of the defining features of the 2024 season was Miami’s tendency to fall short in tight games. Whether it was losing by a field goal or getting edged out by superior competition, the Hurricanes dropped several games they could have won. While some fans may point to these close losses as evidence of the program’s failure to take the next step, others may view it as an indication that Miami is getting closer to being competitive with top-tier teams.
This dichotomy raises an important question: Was 2024 a season of progress, or did Miami simply waste opportunities? Ultimately, while Miami failed to break into the elite tier of college football, the fact that they were competitive in most games suggests the foundation is there. With further development and continued growth, the Hurricanes will soon be able to turn these close losses into victories.
8. The 2024 Season as a Foundation for 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, the 2024 season should be viewed as an essential building block for the Hurricanes. With Cristobal continuing to instill his vision for the program and with the team boasting a young and talented roster, Miami is positioned well for future success. The recruiting class for 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory, and the continued maturation of players like quarterback Emory Williams, running back Mark Fletcher, and the defensive line give hope for a bright future.
Miami’s path to national prominence will require patience. Cristobal’s strategy of building from the inside out, focusing on the offensive and defensive lines, and maintaining a commitment to developing skill positions, will take time to fully come to fruition. However, given the trajectory of the program and the talent in place, it’s not unreasonable to expect that Miami will return to being a top-tier team in the near future.
