Hurricanes Revamp Roster, Look to Challenge in 2024

The Miami Hurricanes made one of the biggest splashes in the transfer portal bringing in quarterback Cam Ward to lead the offense. After disappointing seasons to begin his tenure at Miami, hopes are high for the Hurricanes as they enter Year 3 with Mario Cristobal.

Cristobal addressed the challenges the Hurricanes face in 2024 at the Atlantic Coast Conference Media Days on July 24 in Charlotte, N.C.

Ward's Transition to Miami

With Ward being generating Heisman Trophy hype, Cristobal was asked about how Ward has adjusted to the system at Miami.

"It's very well-documented his productivity as a player throughout his career," Cristobal said. "What really stands out in the short time we've been around him is he's an alpha leader, okay? On the way in, when we were watching him on film, the reason everybody wanted him was his play making ability. Accurate, great arm strength, ability to improvise, extend plays, a game changer..

"Whenever there was a bad play, his ability to bounce back and make things right," he said. "His aggressive, I would say, competitive nature to come back and make things right, to go and make up for maybe a play that was negative, was really impressive. That has really stood out at his time at Miami throughout spring practice as he just built and gained the trust of his teammates."

Cristobal said having Ward under center allows Miami to open up the playbook.

"We believe in Cam Ward and we believe that Cam Ward will allow Miami to do things that Miami hasn't been able to do in a long, long time," Cristobal said. "We have complete trust and faith in him and the guys around him. He's a dynamic player. Even more importantly, he's a dynamic human being. Strong leader. Raised the right way. Unbelievable parents. Like the guys beside him, those sets of parents are the reason why those guys are the way they are."

Defensive Progress

On the defensive side of the ball, Cristobal said the Hurricanes have made strides.

"We made a lot of progress last year from a total defense standpoint, really just about every statistical category," Cristobal said. "Part of that was the caliber of player in the building had improved. We bolstered that even more this offseason. I think when you have continuity at the defensive coordinator position, that bodes well also. Kiko Mauigoa is a big reason why, as a leader of that defense, being surrounded by people that are driven, hungry and want to be there. We took a good step last year. We expect to take an even bigger one this year."

Ward's Expectations

With Ward deciding to bring his talents to Miami, expectations have risen with the Hurricanes in the conversation to challenge for the ACC Championship. With high expectations, the transfer from Washington State took questions at the ACC Kickoff.

Ward said the decision to return to college instead of entering the NFL Draft was one of the most stressful times in his life.

"A lot went into that decision," Ward said. "Me, my mom, my dad. Every day my decision changed. Went into my parents' room. I told them one day I was going to this school. Next day I was going to the league, next day I was going to Miami. If I had to do it all over again, I would.

"The biggest thing for me is there was still food left on the table for me," he said. "I accomplished a lot of things at the FCS level, I haven't accomplished things I know I'm capable of at the Power Five level. I feel like NFL isn't going anywhere. God put me in this position to be a Miami Hurricane. I think it's been the best of both worlds."

Despite the hype and expectations surrounding him, Ward said he tries not to get too high or too low

"At the end of the day the only thing that is going to take care of myself and my family is making plays on the football field," Ward said. "Everybody's opinion of myself doesn't really matter to me and my family. At this point, this time in my life, I'm more focused on trying to win football games with the team around me. The coaching staff is going to put us in the best position."

The Miami Hurricanes and Cristobal are following their plan to build and return the Hurricanes to being a championship contender.

With a new dynamic quarterback leading the offense the Hurricanes will look to meet expectations and challenge in 2024.