Top Miami Hurricanes football storylines for 2025 season

The curated articles all focus on major factors that will shape the Miami Hurricanes' 2025 football season. They highlight recent changes to the roster and coaching staff, key players returning from injury or set to make an impact, and the program’s evolving expectations under Coach Mario Cristobal.

Several stories point to a high-profile season opener against Notre Dame, which marks one of the few times the Hurricanes start the year in a top-10 matchup. Coaching shifts, like bringing in Corey Hetherman as defensive coordinator, stand out as an attempt to address the team’s struggles on defense. Quarterback Carson Beck transferring from Georgia and replacing Miami’s record-setting signal-caller spotlights a significant change on offense. The Hurricanes have also added new faces in the secondary to reinforce the defense, and players such as Damari Brown are aiming to prove themselves after injuries. Additionally, incoming freshmen like Malachi Toney are preparing to battle for immediate playing time as the team looks to replace key pass catchers from last year.

Jul 24, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal speaks to the media during the ACC Kickoff at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. By Jim Dedmon

NO. 1: CRISTOBAL, BECK AND MIAMI HURRICANES HEADING TO ACC FOOTBALL KICKOFF. HOW TO WATCH

The Hurricanes speak on Tuesday. | Published July 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Jul 22, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami head coach Mario Cristobal answers questions from the media during ACC Media Days at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. By Jim Dedmon

NO. 2: HURRICANES’ CRISTOBAL TALKS POSSIBLE PLAYOFF EXPANSION, NIL AFTER HOUSE SETTLEMENT

Would Mario Cristobal be open to a 16-team playoff field? | Published July 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Miami Hurricanes defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman directs players during spring practice at the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Miami on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Coral Gables, Florida. By D.A. Varela

NO. 3: MIAMI HURRICANES ‘NEEDED TO MAKE SOME CHANGES’ ON DEFENSE. WILL THEY PAN OUT?

“After Week 4 last year, we took a downturn. We slipped defensively.’ | Published July 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

University of Miami coach Mario Cristobal leads the team during the Miami Hurricanes football spring game at Cobb Stadium on UM’s campus in Coral Gables, Florida on Saturday, April 12, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 4: AS FALL PRACTICE LOOMS, CRISTOBAL STRESSES ‘IT’S MIAMI VERSUS MIAMI’ UNTIL SEASON STARTS

‘The Notre Dame game will come eventually, but right now, we’ve got to find ourselves and find what we’re good at.’ | Published July 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

From left: center James Brockermeyer, tight end Alex Bauman and cornerback Ethan O’Connor By Denny Medley, Stephen Lew, James Snook

NO. 5: MIRABAL OFFERS INSIGHT ON A KEY UM DECISION. AND OFFENSIVE LINE, TIGHT END NEWS

A six-pack of Miami Hurricanes offensive line and tight end notes: | Published August 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson, Barry Jackson

Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal flashes the U after the Canes defeat the Florida State Seminoles during an NCAA football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Garden, Florida on Saturday, October 26, 2024. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 6: HOW UM FOOTBALL HAS CHANGED WITH CRISTOBAL, AS TOLD BY PLAYERS HERE FROM DAY 1

Anez Cooper has seen the evolution firsthand. | Published August 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

UM wide receiver Malachi Toney (12) catches a touchdown pass in the first half as during the Miami Hurricanes football spring game at Cobb Stadium on UM’s campus in Coral Gables, Florida on Saturday, April 12, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 7: 30 KEY MIAMI HURRICANES FOR 2025 SEASON: MALACHI TONEY HAS SKILL TO HELP AS A FRESHMAN

The Miami Hurricanes kick off the 2025 season on Aug. | Published August 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Aug 31, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Armondo Blount (18) and Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Cole McConathy II (44) celebrate against the Florida Gators after the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

NO. 8: 30 KEY MIAMI HURRICANES FOR 2025 SEASON: WILL ARMONDO BLOUNT TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

The Miami Hurricanes kick off the 2025 season on Aug. | Published August 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Miami Hurricanes defensive back Damari Brown (6) on the field before the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons for their NCAA game in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, November 23, 2024. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 9: 30 KEY MIAMI HURRICANES FOR 2025 SEASON: DAMARI BROWN READY TO PUT INJURY BEHIND HIM

The Miami Hurricanes kick off the 2025 season on Aug. | Published August 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Quarterback Carson Beck (11) looks for an open teammate during Miami Hurricanes football practice on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, at University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. By Alie Skowronski

NO. 10: HURRICANES NO. 10 IN PRESEASON AP POLL, SETTING STAGE FOR MARQUEE OPENER VS NOTRE DAME

For the first time in seven years, the Miami Hurricanes will begin the college football season as a top-10 team. | Published August 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Miami Hurricanes tight end Alex Bauman (87) works with tight ends coach Cody Woodiel during football practice at the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. By SAM NAVARRO

NO. 11: HURRICANES’ ALEX BAUMAN WON’T GET TO FACE NOTRE DAME BROTHER, BUT SHOULD HAVE ROLE FOR UM

Alex Bauman was looking forward to the chance to play a college football game against his brother. | Published August 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.