The Miami Hurricanes haven’t sat near the top of college football in two decades. That could change in 2025.
Miami completed just their second 10-win season since 2004 and enters 2025 with hopes of winning their first ACC title. The program also wants to contend for a National Championship.
Mario Cristobal’s squad will spend enough money to be taken seriously as a title contender. Recent reports indicate the Hurricanes are one of several programs entering the 2025 season with rosters nearing the $40 million mark.
Spending that much in NIL funds doesn’t guarantee success on Saturday’s.
One anonymous ACC coach questioned Miami’s approach with Athlon Sports. The coach suggested the program prioritizes buying talent over building team culture.
“I think there’s a bigger question on how and why they spend what they do on the guys they pick. It’s almost like the Dodgers or Yankees mindset, spending on top-end recruits and portal guys, and not really a team-focused culture. You’re still in Florida, you still have to prioritize the high schools, and they’ve done that in NIL…”
The quote appeared in Athlon Sports’ 2025 College Football Preview magazine, according to Nick Shepkowski of Sports Illustrated.
Miami’s most notable addition is former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck. He arrives in Coral Gables on a $4 million deal after his season ended with injury this past December.
Beck was considered the favorite for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft at this time last year.
His season-ending injury and inconsistent play throughout 2024 made returning to college the most logical career move. Whether Beck will be healthy and consistent enough to justify that $4 million price tag remains unclear.
The rival ACC coach raises questions that extend beyond Miami. Are chemistry and continuity worth sacrificing to build a more talented roster?
Is this the new normal? Can programs actually thread the needle and achieve both talent and team chemistry?
