Jonathan Vilma, a former Miami Hurricanes linebacker and a significant figure associated with the program, recently expressed his views on the current state of Miami football. His insights cover everything from the team’s performance this season to the influence of quarterback Cam Ward, painting a picture of optimism for the program’s future under head coach Mario Cristobal.
A Successful Season for the Hurricanes
When discussing whether Miami’s 2024 season could be deemed a success, Vilma was quick to affirm his belief. “I do. If somebody asked me before the season, hey, if they had 10 wins, would you be happy? Yes, if they get 10 wins I’d be happy,” he said. “I would have been ecstatic had they gotten into the Playoff, but that was not the expectation. I looked at the team with Cam Ward, and I said they should be able to win nine or 10 games. They did that, and it was a success.”
With a remarkable 10-win season and a Heisman finalist in Cam Ward, the Hurricanes have set themselves up for elevated expectations next year. The challenge now lies in maintaining that success while taking the next step toward competing for championships. Or, in other words, returning to being “The U.”
No Wholesale Changes Needed
Vilma also shared his thoughts on Mario Cristobal’s leadership and the overall direction of the program. He expressed strong support for Miami’s current trajectory, stating, “I don’t think there is anything I would change. I would always tweak, and that comes with any program, right? Even when I was there, we wanted to tweak things each offseason.”
He emphasized that while minor adjustments are always necessary, there is no need for drastic overhauls. “There isn’t a need for a wholesale change. And not saying like a coaching change. Just in general, no real wholesale changes needed.” This perspective reflects a confidence in the direction the program is heading, highlighting the importance of continuity in building a successful team.
The Cam Ward Effect
One of the most exciting elements of Miami’s recent success has been the pivotal role of quarterback Cam Ward. Vilma noted that Ward has not only contributed to the team’s immediate success but has also helped shape the program’s future. “It definitely gives the program more visibility. It made the program exciting to watch,” he explained.
For many younger fans who may not remember the legendary Hurricanes teams of the past, seeing Miami succeed again is crucial. “The younger generation, they don’t remember the 2000 Hurricanes, the bad boy Hurricanes of the 80s and 90s. So for the younger generation, to see Miami in a successful light and not being ridiculed for losing to a team they shouldn’t have, that goes along well with Mario Cristobal being a very good recruiter,” Vilma added.
Ward’s performance has revitalized the Hurricanes’ reputation within college football, giving Cristobal a solid foundation to build upon as he constructs future teams. “Now he’s going into these homes, these high schools and can proudly say we’re The U,” Vilma remarked, highlighting the importance of having a star player who can attract top talent.
Building for the Future
Looking ahead, Vilma emphasized that the next step for Miami lies in retaining their talent amidst the challenges posed by NIL and the transfer portal. “Now it’s how many guys can you keep, because of NIL, the transfer portal, all of that going on. If you can keep a good core of guys, have that culture remain so you can build on it next year, then you can raise those expectations to an ACC Championship and the Playoff,” he stated.
This focus on maintaining a strong core of players is crucial for the Hurricanes as they aim to elevate their program further. With a successful season behind them, the foundation is set for Miami to not only compete but to thrive in the coming years.
In summary, Jonathan Vilma’s insights provide a hopeful outlook for Miami football. With a successful season, the emergence of Cam Ward, and a strong leadership under Cristobal, the Hurricanes are poised to reclaim their status as a powerhouse in college football. The journey ahead is filled with challenges, but the potential for greatness is undeniable.
