South Florida

6 storylines to follow in Miami Hurricanes 2025 football season

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

The articles focus on storylines that could define the Miami Hurricanes’ 2025 football season. They highlight new players, returning talent, preseason rankings, and team dynamics. Coaches and player additions play major roles.

Keionte Scott and Jakobe Thomas joined Miami’s defensive backfield after transferring. Coaches know Scott well and expect him to compete for a major role. Wide receiver Keelan Marion also transferred in and wants to provide versatility in the offense. He hopes the Miami system will help him show his skills. Coach Mario Cristobal emphasizes internal competition before focusing on opening opponents. The team’s preseason coaches poll ranking places Miami at No. 10. Tight end Alex Bauman transferred from Tulane and will not get to face his brother, who retired due to injury, but expects to contribute at his new school. These narratives will shape how the Hurricanes approach their season and respond to early challenges.

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. 1: 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

Auburn Tigers cornerback Keionte Scott (0) returns a punt during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. By Jay Biggerstaff

NO. 2: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT UM POST-SPRING ADDITIONS SCOTT AND THOMAS, TWO KEY NEW DBS

The Miami Hurricanes augmented their defensive backfield in the second portal cycle with two Southeastern Conference veterans. | Published August 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Keelan Marion 0) runs through practice drills with teammates at the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility in Coral Gables, Florida, on Thursday, July 31, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 3: WHAT KEELAN MARION HOPES TO BRING CANES. AND TONEY’S REACTION TO UM DECISION

Some Miami Hurricanes wide receiver notes on a Thursday: | Published August 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Keelan Marion speaks to reporters during Media Day at the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility in Coral Gables, Florida, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 4: WHAT NUMBERS ARE NEW MIAMI HURRICANES PLAYERS WEARING THIS SEASON? HERE’S A LIST

The Miami Hurricanes began fall practice on Thursday, and with that a new season of UM college football is on the horizon. | Published July 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Head coach Mario Cristobal talks to offensive lineman Deryc Plazz (79) during Miami Hurricanes football practice on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. By Alie Skowronski

NO. 5: COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S PRESEASON COACHES POLL IS OUT. HERE’S WHERE HURRICANES RANK

The Miami Hurricanes will begin the season as a top-10 team according to the USA Today coaches poll. | Published August 4, 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. 6: 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.