Latest news with #MarioCristobal
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami Hurricanes Potential Playoff Berth in 2025 Hinges on Just one Player
Miami Hurricanes Potential Playoff Berth in 2025 Hinges on Just one Player originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Miami Hurricanes defense, specifically their pass defense, failed not only coach Mario Cristobal, but they also failed the fans by missing a chance to win the ACC title and earn a berth in the expanded college football playoff in 2024. Advertisement But Cristobal addressed that issue in this offseason by raiding the transfer portal for talented players that can defend against the pass. According to Carter Bahns of the one player that is the x-factor for the Hurricanes to make the playoffs this season is, surprisingly, transfer cornerback Xavier Lucas. Lucas recorded just one INT to go with 18 tackles and two pass breakups at Wisconsin a season ago. Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Xavier Lucas (6) celebrates with cornerback Max Lofy (12) following an Hanisch-USA TODAY Sport With that said, the x-factor is not Lucas at all. That moniker should fall squarely on the shoulders (and the surgically repaired throwing elbow) of former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck. Advertisement Beck passed for over 3,400-yards a season ago. He also threw 12 interceptions, eight of which were thrown over three consecutive games. Beck transferred after suffering the season-ending elbow injury. Then, Miami swooped in with millions and lured Beck to Florida. After an offseason of injury rehab and way-too-many distractions, Beck must step up and show what he can do at the most important position on the field during fall camp and during the season. Anything less than a conference championship and a playoff berth in 2025 will be a bust for the Hurricanes. Related: For Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes, Trouble Could Be Ahead in 2025 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Notre Dame named in two Top 10 non-conference best matchups for 2025
Notre Dame named in two Top 10 non-conference best matchups for 2025 The 2025 college football season is inching closer and closer, and there are a slew of juicy non-conference matchups on tap. One of those clashes includes Notre Dame hosting Texas A&M, the back end of a home-and-home series that began last year. It's clearly a notable matchup, and ESPN analyst Greg McElroy named it No. 5 on his Top 10 list of non-conference games this fall. "Coach Mike Elko enters into the second year," McElroy said on his Always College Football podcast. "They get everybody back on the offensive line. The offense in general should be excellent. And their quarterback Marcel Reed should be a lot more advanced than he was last year. He didn't even play against Notre Dame in Week 1. So, now, that should be an incredible matchup when the Aggies head to South Bend there in the middle of September." Last season, Marcus Freeman's squad scored a 23-13 win in College Station, a game that featured the Irish leaning on their rushing attack. They compiled 198 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, with Jeremiyah Love leading the way with 91 yards and a score. Meanwhile, the Aggies had just 100 passing yards in the loss, though adding playmakers at receiver was a priority this offseason. So this should be a different Aggies offense in the rematch. The Irish have the fourth-best nonconference game, as well, according to McElroy. ND opens the season at Miami, a team McElroy is high on. Mario Cristobal has the Hurricanes set up to contend for the ACC title with the likes of Clemson. "Miami has restocked and reloaded," McElroy said. "Carson Beck is now their starting quarterback. They have great personnel on both lines of scrimmage. Mario Cristobal has a legitimate ACC title contender again this year. At least one of the top two teams in the ACC." The new season can't get here soon enough. Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions. Follow Dave on X: Miller_Dave
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami football land pair of top recruits in the trenches
The post Miami football land pair of top recruits in the trenches appeared first on ClutchPoints. Miami football scored a pair of recruiting wins for the Class of 2026 as Mario Cristobal looks to build this program into an ACC powerhouse. The third season under the Hurricanes' head coach was an encouraging one as he led the program to a 10-3 season. That being said, the year ended somewhat disappointingly as Miami had a prime opportunity to make it the College Football Playoff. Nevertheless, a late-season loss to Syracuse cost them that opportunity. Cristobal will look to take that next step in 2025, as he has in his first three years. Advertisement While the latest news does not affect the Hurricanes for this upcoming season, the program is gaining steam on the recruiting trail. According to On3 national recruiting/transfer portal reporter Hayes Fawcett, Miami football has received commitments from defensive lineman Tyson Bacon and interior offensive lineman Canon Pickett. Bacon chose Mario Cristobal's program over Georgia, Florida, and Ohio State, while Pickett committed over Florida and ACC foe Clemson. Carson Beck will be relied upon heavily to continue the Hurricanes' positive momentum Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images There's a new quarterback in Coral Gables after Cam Ward went off to the NFL. Carson Beck is now under center at Miami football, and the former All-SEC quarterback has the talent to lead this program to its first College Football Playoff. Beck, however, cannot show the inconsistencies he did during his time with Georgia, especially out of the gates, because the Hurricanes have a formidable nonconference schedule in 2025. Advertisement Miami opens the season, reigniting an iconic rivalry with Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish, coming off an appearance in the National Championship game, will likely be favored in this Week 1 clash. A few weeks later, the Hurricanes will take on a Florida team that should be much better than the squad they took on in Gainesville last season. The ACC slate is more forgiving with Clemson, which is projected to be the favorite in the conference, not on the slate. But SMU, which is coming off a shocking appearance in the playoff, will host Mario Cristobal's team later in the season. Overall, Miami football are adding Tyson Bacon and Canon Pickett to what is now a top-10 2026 recruiting class. Cristobal has been well-known for his ability to recruit throughout his successful career, and that talent has paid dividends with this historic program. It's time to continue showing that fully realized potential on the field. This group has the upside to contend for a playoff spot. Related: Colorado coach Deion Sanders breaks silence on mystery health issue Related: 5-star OT's latest move could be good sign for Michigan football
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami, Mario Cristobal Land Recruiting Win Over In-State Rival On Tuesday
Miami, Mario Cristobal Land Recruiting Win Over In-State Rival On Tuesday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Miami Hurricanes are pushing for a top recruiting finish in the class of 2026 and landed another key win in that aspect on Tuesday. Advertisement Head coach Mario Cristobal and Co. sit ninth nationally in the 2026 cycle with a group headlined by the nation's No. 1 player in five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell. Previously holding 11 commitments, Miami added it's 12th pledge and the Hurricanes' sixth four-star recruit by landing four-star offensive lineman Canon Pickett. Pickett (6-foot-5, 290 pounds) is an in-state recruit out of Tampa Bay (Florida) Tech, where he ranks as the No. 13 player at his position and the No. 37 player in the state, per Rivals. Tampa Bay Tech offensive lineman Canon Pickett Jon Santucci/USA Today Florida Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The race came down to Miami, Florida and Clemson for Pickett, who visited the Tigers on May 30 before taking an official trip to the Hurricanes over the weekend. Advertisement Head coach Billy Napier and the in-state rival Gators are expected to get Pickett on campus for an official visit this weekend, but it was Miami that received his commitment before that trip. "I'm home!!!!!!!" Pickett wrote on X. Hurricanes faithful will always take a win over their in-state rival, whether its on the recruiting trail or on the field. Most notably, however, is Cristobal and position coach Alex Mirabal landing another top offensive lineman. Pickett joins Cantwell and four-star Joel Ervin in the class of 2026, a group that is shaping up to be one of the best in the country. It remains to be seen if Pickett will take his previously scheduled visit to Florida this weekend. Additionally, he is slated to be back at Miami on June 20 to round out his summer schedule. Advertisement Related: Nation's No. 1 RB Sounds Off Against Recruiting Report After Ohio State Visit Related: College Football Fans Emotional After College GameDay's Announcement On Week 1 Location This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Historic College Football Program Builds Momentum With Two Recruiting Wins on Tuesday
Historic College Football Program Builds Momentum With Two Recruiting Wins on Tuesday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Head coach Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes continue to surge on the recruiting trail after two significant additions to the 2026 class. Advertisement Following a 10-3 season, the best finish for the historic program since 2017, Cristobal and Co. have built some notable momentum within the high school ranks. Miami entered Tuesday with 11 commitments and the ninth ranked class nationally before landing a pair of four-stars in one day. Offensive lineman Canon Pickett kicked things off, committing to the Hurricanes as the No. 13 player at his position and the No. 37 player in the state of Florida (Tampa Bay Tech), per Rivals. Miami beat out in-state rival Florida for Pickett (6-foot-5, 290 pounds), who previously scheduled a visit to Florida for this weekend ahead of an official visit to the Hurricanes on June 20. Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal gestures after defeating the California Golden Yamashita-Imagn Images Less than three hours after Pickett's announcement, Miami received more good news, landing four-star defensive lineman Tyson Bacon over Florida, Georgia and Ohio State. Advertisement Bacon (6-foot-4, 260 pounds) was previously committed to Tennessee before backing off his pledge on April 23 and re-opening his recruitment. He visited Miami over the weekend and apparently liked what he learned. The Hoover (Alabama) High School product ranks as the No. 3 defensive lineman, the No. 5 player in the state and the No. 60 overall recruit. With Pickett and Bacon in the fold, the Hurricanes rose one spot to No. 8 nationally, including the nation's top recruit in five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell and eight four-star recruits. The momentum gained over the last couple of months certainly paints a promising picture for where Miami will stand from a talent perspective moving forward. Advertisement Related: Miami, Mario Cristobal Land Recruiting Win Over In-State Rival On Tuesday Related: College Football Fans Emotional After College GameDay's Announcement On Week 1 Location This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
