Joel Klatt’s Way-Too-Early Top 10 is causing a stir in the college football world, especially in South Florida, after he ranked the Miami Hurricanes at No. 8.
Exciting Prospects for Miami Hurricanes
With Carson Beck joining Mario Cristobal’s team for 2025, many fans and analysts believe Miami could contend for a national title next season. Klatt’s enthusiasm for the Hurricanes is palpable, especially considering the potential impact Beck could have on the team. However, he also emphasizes that Beck will need to elevate his game beyond what he showcased at Georgia in 2024.
Klatt’s Take on Miami’s Ranking
“Next up is a team that I was high on early last year and that panned out, and now they’ve dipped in the same playbook,” Klatt stated, regarding his No. 8 ranking of the Hurricanes. “Miami has gone and gotten a very experienced quarterback. Carson Beck, heading to Miami, and he’s gonna be there with the Canes. I’ve got them at No. 8. He’s gonna come in to try to replicate, in a lot of ways, what Cam Ward was able to do this last year. Now, is Beck going to be as good as Cam Ward? I don’t know. Ward was sensational in so many ways. Is he going to be a really good option, maybe not quite Cam Ward, but a very good option? Yes.”
Addressing the Quarterback Question
Klatt expressed that he never felt Beck was entirely to blame for his struggles at Georgia. “I kept saying this, last year with Beck at Georgia, I never felt like it was completely his fault. The skill position group for Georgia led the country in drops. As a quarterback, what are you supposed to do? Put handles on the ball? That’s what I used to say to my wide receivers. … That’s what Beck should’ve been saying to his Georgia wide receivers,” Klatt explained. He believes that Beck’s performance is likely to improve, especially since he will be playing behind what is expected to be one of the better offensive lines in the country. Cristobal has done an excellent job of stockpiling talent at the line of scrimmage, which should benefit the quarterback and the offense as a whole.
Defensive Challenges Ahead
While Beck’s arrival is exciting, the more pressing concern for Miami is their defense. Last season, the defense hindered what could have been a stellar offensive year for the Hurricanes. Klatt, however, is optimistic about new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman. He believes Hetherman can turn the unit around. “The defense was a clear and obvious weakness last year,” Klatt noted. “They went out and they hired Corey Hetherman from Minnesota. I like Corey Hetherman a lot. I know that he hasn’t been at the top of college football, but I tell you what, Minnesota has been a very good defense for a long time.”
Strengthening the Defense
Hetherman’s hiring is just one part of Miami’s strategy to bolster their defense. Klatt pointed out that the team has also utilized the transfer portal to address defensive needs, particularly in the secondary. “He comes to Miami, and they’ve also hit the portal to address the defense, as well. They’ve brought in several players in the secondary, which they needed,” Klatt added.
Season Opener: A Crucial Test
As the excitement builds for the upcoming season, Klatt emphasizes that how Miami starts the season will be a significant indicator of their potential. The Hurricanes’ schedule is no walk in the park, especially in September. “This is a good team. They’ve got two really tough, non-conference games in September. This is — we’re going to find out everything we need to know about Miami early in the season,” he said.
Facing Tough Opponents
Miami will host Notre Dame in their season opener, a team that Klatt expects to rank high in his Top 10. Additionally, they will also face Florida, another team he considers among the top contenders. “A tough first month for Miami, and Beck is going to have to hit the ground running there in South Florida,” Klatt noted, highlighting the pressure on the new quarterback.
The Road Ahead for Miami
Time will tell if Miami can rise above and make a run at a title in 2025, with Carson Beck leading the way under center. Klatt believes that while Cam Ward set the stage, the Hurricanes faltered in 2024. It will be up to Mario Cristobal to steady the ship and help the program continue to ascend under his watch this coming season. The excitement is building, and fans are eager to see if Miami can reclaim its status among college football’s elite.
