Just days before their opening game of the 2024 regular season against in-state rivals the Florida Gators, here are our last-minute predictions for the Miami Hurricanes.

Whether you want to call it expert analysis or simply a departure from the usual predictions, the Miami football team is receiving more love and hype this year than it has in a long time. So much so that it’s almost a little worrying for Hurricanes fans.

Over the years, Miami has received a certain amount of hype, but when it came to that, they never lived up to that hype. That’s why it’s hard to believe anyone will ever see this program as relevant again if it doesn’t deliver now that the hype is at its peak. Even writing this now, many already think so, as it’s been decades since the program has done anything of note. In the last 20 years, they’ve only won three bowl games and finished in the top 10 once.

Is this really the year? Is “The U” finally making its long-awaited comeback? In our last-minute predictions for Miami, we take a look at what this team could really become and how it fits into the current college football landscape.

Miami will have one of the top five offensive teams in the country thanks to Cam Ward and others

The Hurricanes’ offense simply has too many weapons to not be explosive. With new additions like wide receiver Sam Brown, running back Damien Martinez and of course quarterback Cam Ward, this year’s offense should look a lot different than last year’s, which ranked 42nd nationally in scoring.

As much as Miami fans wish Ward would light up the scoreboard with his arm — and that’s not to say he won’t — the Hurricanes’ running game will be a dominant part of the offense. We all know Mario Cristobal’s teams have been heavily run-oriented in the past, in part because they had to be. Cristobal loves nothing more than when his big offensive players create running lanes for him. Not to mention, offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has already mentioned that this team will actually run the ball.

Who could blame the coaching staff when they have the likes of Martinez, Mark Fletcher Jr. and standout freshman Jordan Lyle? You also have to remember that Ward can run too, unlike last year’s starters Tyler Van Dyke and Emory Williams. His ability to extend plays with his feet is something Miami fans haven’t seen in a long time.

Tight ends finally become relevant again for Miami

Miami, which used to be “Tight End U” and produced some of the best players at the position in football history, has been sorely lacking in that regard for several years. Last season, Miami’s tight ends managed just 18 catches for 154 yards. There have been previous Miami tight ends who almost managed that in a single game, let alone a season. Something has to happen in 2024.

With Ward at center, the team’s dynamic changes. He can get the ball to open receivers, including his tight ends underneath. Two players to keep an eye on are redshirt junior Elijah Arroyo, who finally looks healthy again, and freshman Elija Lofton, the team’s third-best offensive player this year. Also returning are Jackson Carver, ninth-year senior Cam McCormick and Riley Williams.

The secondary level will be better than expected

The loss of safeties James Williams and Kam Kinchens has been a major blow to the Hurricanes’ secondary this season. Not only has it weakened that part of the defense, resulting in a lack of depth, but it has also cost experience. The Hurricanes will rely on their best cornerback Daryl Porter Jr. and a couple other redshirt seniors like safety Isaiah Taylor and Mishael Powell.

However, the biggest excitement in camp this year came from true freshman corner OJ Frederique Jr.

“He’s got a knack for it,” Miami defensive coordinator Lance Guidry said of Canes Insight. “He’s big and physically stronger than you think. So it’s not common to come in as a rookie and not blink like that. We’re really excited about him. I think he’s got a great future here in Miami.”

This is an area where Miami will undoubtedly have some problems this year, as it is still probably the weakest group on the team. But if enough experienced leaders mix with youthful talent and drive, things could turn out well.

Miami will be the most watched team in the ACC, country

This may be one of the more unusual predictions, but it could have implications for the future of the program in several ways.

Miami was once one of the most watched college football teams in the country. But lately, the team has become significantly less desirable in the eyes of viewers due to a lack of meaningful football. According to Sports Media Watch, Florida State was the only ACC team to make the top 25 most watched college football games last season.

With the uncertainty currently surrounding the ACC conference, Miami needs to show how desirable it is to other conferences. The best way to do that is to win football games and put itself back in the spotlight. The good news is that the hype has already started, but these Hurricanes have yet to prove it on the field.

It’s a good sign that Miami is facing a prestigious SEC team that also hails from Florida. This game will have plenty of headlines, and the fact that it’s in Week 1 is even better. If they keep winning, a lone Friday night matchup against conference rival Virginia Tech could draw a crowd. And of course, the annual showdown against Florida State could potentially be a top-25 matchup.

In that regard, it would also help if Miami could make the College Football Playoffs. These games will get a lot of attention, and conferences and media companies, especially ESPN, will be paying attention to which teams generate the most interest and ratings.