Mario Cristobal's roster revamp and potential championship chase position him for top ACC coach honors after a historic turnaround.
As the Miami Hurricanes successfully revamped the roster for next season, coming off a historic National Championship run, it puts coach Mario Cristobal in a position to find extra success. After finishing with a 5-7 overall record in his initial season as the program's head coach, he's completely turned things around.
After officially acquiring quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Cooper Barkate, along with other talented additions, Cristobal is set up for another National Championship chase.
The Hurricanes should be the early favorites to win the ACC, especially with a weak schedule compared to last season. They'll likely finish with another double-digit winning season, which should put Cristobal in the running for ACC Coach of the Year.
The latest recipient was Virginia Cavaliers' Tony Elliot, who led the program to its first double-digit winning season since 1989, finishing with an 11-3 overall record, 7-1 in ACC play. Although they fell short in the ACC championship game, ironically enough, against Mensah and the Duke Blue Devils.
Cristobal's leadership has improved over the last couple of years, especially in critical situations.
In a matchup against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the 2023 season, the Hurricanes were ahead with 36 seconds left and had the ball. However, after a forced fumble, they scored and finished with a 23-20 victory. The following year, the Hurricanes lost the final two out of three games of the regular season, which knocked them out of the expanded College Football Playoff picture.
Cristobal is a proud former Hurricanes offensive lineman, a member of two National Championship-winning teams in 1989 and 1991, but the lack of results could've caught up to him last season, especially after losing against the Louisville Cardinals and SMU Mustangs in three weeks. However, he rallied the team to a dominant four-game win streak to close the regular season, which was enough to acquire the final at-large bid for the College Football Playoffs.
The Hurricanes were the only ACC team to make it. If they manage to finish on top of the conference, Cristobal will be a primary candidate for Coach of the Year. Last season, he only earned one vote.
Cristobal has been successful with transfer portal quarterbacks over the last couple of years and looks to continue that trend with Mensah. Plus, an improved wide receiver core surrounding star Malachi Toney and all running backs returning. The Hurricanes are likely the best team in the ACC, which could result in an additional individual accolade for the 55-year-old.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More Miami Hurricanes News: