Five questions: Will Hurricanes finally end national-title drought?

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After reaching the College Football Playoffs, the Hurricanes are considered one of the nation’s top teams. Despite being a title contender, there are still plenty of questions surrounding this year’s squad.

Who will step up on the offensive line?

The Hurricanes lost four offensive line starters to the NFL, including first-round offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. Offensive line coach Alex Mirabal, in addition to UM head coach and former lineman Mario Cristobal, is tasked with crafting a rebuilt line. Two key players from last year, Matthew McCoy and Samson Okunlola, return after splitting time at left guard last season. Veteran Ryan Rodriguez looks like he will be the team’s starting center. Several other young, talented linemen will need to fill out the last two spots. Jackson Cantwell, Ben Congdon, Max Buchanan, SJ Alofaituli and transfer Jamal Meriweather are among those who could play key roles.

Can this offense live up to the hype?

Miami brings back two of the nation’s top offensive players. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. set a College Football Playoff record with 517 yards in the playoffs, helping carry UM to the national title game. Wide receiver Malachi Toney burst onto the scene and set multiple program single-season records as a freshman. Both of them return, and they are joined by former Duke quarterback Darian Mensah, who won an ACC title with the Blue Devils and was second nationally in passing yards and touchdown passes (tied for second with Drew Mestemaker). There are several other talented players on the offense, including 1,000-yard receiver Cooper Barkate and key running back Marty Brown. UM had the No. 1 offense in the nation under offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson in 2024. Can Miami replicate that this season?

Who fills the void left by Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor?

Bain and Mesidor left the Hurricanes after dominating opposing offensive lines last year. Both wound up as first-round picks in April’s NFL draft. Now, UM has to find defensive ends who can replace their production. Miami added All-SEC second-teamer Damon Wilson II, who had nine sacks at Missouri last season. Several other internal options are poised for big years, too. Juniors Armondo Blount and Marquise Lightfoot have performed well in rotational roles; now they have an opportunity to shine.

Are the veterans enough at linebacker?

Miami is expecting a lot from two linebackers who have a lot of experience. Mo Toure returns for a second season at UM (and eighth in college football), and Chase Smith enters his sixth year with the Hurricanes. The pair of linebackers will likely be the Hurricanes’ top two linebackers. But both veterans have dealt with serious injuries in their careers. The depth behind them is unproven. Kamal Bonner, a redshirt junior, played often for N.C. State in 2024 but dealt with injuries last year, playing just 30 defensive snaps. Bobby Pruitt has played sparingly over the last two years. Underclassmen like Kellen Wiley Jr., Ezekiel Marcelin Jr., Justin Edwards, Jordan Campbell and Karsten Busch are promising. But which players are ready to step into larger, rotational roles or potentially start?

Do the Hurricanes win No. 6?

This is the ultimate question. The Hurricanes were so close to winning their sixth national title in January. That team went 10-2 in the regular season before rolling to the program’s first three College Football Playoff wins. This team has the potential to be even better. Miami may not take anyone by surprise this year like it did last season, but the Hurricanes team has a realistic opportunity to secure its spot in history.

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