CORAL GABLES — The Hurricanes were so close to so many of their goals last year; the ACC title game and the College Football Playoff were within reach. Despite having the nation’s top offense and the eventual No. 1 draft pick, quarterback Cam Ward, the team’s flaws — primarily on defense — caught up with them.

Instead of facing SMU in the ACC championship game, the Hurricanes watched from home . Instead of playing in the playoffs, Miami faced Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl — and lost to the Cyclones.

After last season’s disappointing conclusion, UM coach Mario Cristobal sought not just to maintain the team’s abilities but improve them. And after numerous transfer additions, the Hurricanes may have gotten better from last season’s 10-3 squad. In 2025, Miami seems poised to accomplish

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