The 2024 season was a bittersweet one for the Miami Hurricanes.  Behind a generational offense led by a host of 2025 NFL Draft picks, including first overall pick Cam Ward, the Canes put up eye-popping points and shattered school records. 

Unfortunately, one of the worst defensive efforts in recent memory undermined that offensive success and ultimately kept the Hurricanes from reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history.  A 42-38 loss to Syracuse in the regular season finale sealed Miami's fate despite a 10-2 record.  The Canes finished 14th in the last CFP rankings. 

Can the Canes do at least two spots better in 2025?  One analyst thinks so.  ESPN's Heather Dinich put out a list of 10 potential first time CFP teams, and the Canes checked in at #3. 

Here's the full list: 

10) Texas A&M

9) Louisville

8) Florida

7) Texas Tech

6) Kansas State

5) BYU

4) Iowa State

3) Miami

2) South Carolina

1) Illinois

Dinish had the following to say about Miami: 

The Canes had a case for playoff inclusion last fall and could guarantee themselves a spot if they can win the ACC — which they're capable of doing with transfer quarterback Carson Beck from Georgia. Quarterback wasn't the problem, though, last year — the defense was. If the Canes can avoid the losses to unranked opponents, they'd be in. A win against Notre Dame in the season opener would set the tone early.

The Canes appear well positioned for continued offensive success in 2025 despite the loss of All-Americans Ward and Xavier Restrepo as well as TE Elijah Arroyo, WR Jacolby George, WR Isaiah Horton, and RB Damien Martinez. The offensive line still appears to be in good shape despite losing two starters, and Carson Beck has the potential to make Ward's departure not a giant drop off. 

Of course, Miami is going to have to figure out answers on the defensive side of the ball.  Mario Cristobal has a new defensive coordinator in Corey Hetherman, whose defense last year at Minnesota was a formidable one. If the Canes can shore things up on that side of the ball, there's no reason to believe they can't reach double digit wins in the ACC.  Provided of course they take care of business in a tough non-conference slate that includes Notre Dame and Florida at home.