As Mario Cristobal restores "The U" to national title contention, a polarizing reputation follows. Discover why this powerhouse ranks among college football's most vilified programs today.
MIAMI, Fla. – Sports fans often find a common enemy with one team or franchise – regardless of level. It’s the Los Angeles Dodgers in the MLB, the Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA, and the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL. However, who’s the biggest enemy in college football?
Before Nick Saban retired from coaching, the answer would’ve been the Alabama Crimson Tide. After leaving the sidelines for ESPN in 2024, the landscape of the sport has drastically changed – whether it’s the transfer portal, NIL, or the College Football Playoff format. The Miami Hurricanes have benefited from the transparency.
In the last couple of years, the Coral Gables program had back-to-back double-digit-win seasons and reached the National Championship game. The turnaround leaves some to believe that “The U” is officially back. However, at its peak, the Hurricanes were frowned upon among the rest of the college football world. Could that same perspective be returning?
According to CFBSelect on X, the Hurricanes are the fourth-most hated college football team ahead of the upcoming season. Falling behind the following:
No. 1: Notre Dame
No. 2: USC
No. 3 Michigan
Coach Mario Cristobal has the program among the favorites – not only to win the Atlantic Coast Conference – but to compete for a National Championship. Despite losing several prolific players from last season, including All-Americans edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and right tackle Francis Mauigoa, the Hurricanes aren’t accepting any steps back.
Within “The U’s” history, winning has never been delivered in glamorous fashion. It’s been done through resilience and physicality. Today, the Hurricanes’ success revolves around dominating the line of scrimmage – on both sides.
Alongside Bain Jr. setting the edge last season was Akheem Mesidor. Both emerged as college football’s most prolific defenders. On the opposite side, it was Mauigoa leading one of the nation’s best offensive line units – left tackle Markel Bell, right guard Anez Cooper, and center James Brockermeyer.
Matthew McCoy and Samon Okunlola shared snaps at left guard.
The Hurricanes gave up 20 sacks throughout the season, ranking among the best in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Despite losing key starters on both sides of the line, the program managed to fill the voids with transfer portal additions or by relying on in-house talent. Coach Cristobal has been consistent with this philosophy and it’s propelled the Hurricanes towards contention.
Regardless of how the fans feel, “The U” isn’t looking to fall behind anytime soon.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
