JUST IN: Miami gets bold prediction ahead of the 2024 season.

The Miami Hurricanes were once one of the most recognizable college football teams. They arrived suddenly as a category five hurricane in the 1980s, capturing three national titles (1983, 1987, 1989), followed by two more in the next two decades (1991, 2001). However, there has been an extended period of drought since then.

The Canes moved from the now-defunct Big East Conference to the ACC in 2004, where they were anticipated to compete with Florida State and Clemson. However, Miami has only competed for one ACC championship since joining.

Many have attempted to restore the Canes, including former assistant Randy Shannon, Al Golden, Manny Diaz, and even Miami alum and Georgia head coach Mark Richt. However, little success has been achieved, and the Canes have faded into obscurity.

Mario Cristobal, another previous graduate, is entering his third season and has the national media, notably On3’s Andy Staples, excited.

In his 2024 season predictions column, Staples predicted that Miami would compete in the ACC championship game.

“Are the Hurricanes the top team in the ACC? “They’d have to prove it by defeating Florida State (possibly twice),” Staples wrote. “Can they be one of the top two teams in the ACC? They should be, given their current roster. (And if they aren’t against this schedule, it may be time to panic.)”

Staples’ trust in the Canes in 2024 stems from the significant personnel enhancements they’ve made in recent seasons, particularly their usage of the transfer portal this offseason.

The Canes return players such as offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and edge rusher Reuben Bain, but they also add quarterback Cam Ward from Washington State and Damien Martinez from Oregon State.

It is not uncommon for Miami to receive acclaim and hype during the offseason and preseason. That has happened several times in the last 20 years. What Miami hasn’t done is prove it this season. Since 2004, they haven’t finished in the top ten and have only won three bowl games.

According to FanDuel, the Canes have the third best odds in the conference to win the ACC Championship at +450, after only Clemson (+280) and Florida State.