By : Ethan Horner
(Photo/Mattia Virgona- The Mojo Network)
The Miami Hurricanes kick off their 2025 season in dramatic fashion, renewing one of college football’s most storied rivalries as they take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. For Mario Cristobal, now entering a pivotal year at the helm, this isn’t just another opener — it’s an opportunity to secure what could be the signature win of his tenure in Coral Gables. The Hurricanes come in with momentum after a resurgent 2024 season, led by Heisman contender Cam Ward.
Coach Mario Cristobal wasted no time retooling his roster this offseason, attacking the transfer portal with urgency and landing a total of 21 recruits. The group was headlined by former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, one of the most coveted names in the portal, whose arrival brings both depth and experience to Miami’s quarterback room. Cristobal’s aggressive approach in the portal reflects his commitment to elevating the Hurricanes into true playoff contention, surrounding his core with proven talent ready to make an immediate impact.
The Hurricanes retooled nearly their entire secondary this offseason, with the lone returning piece being standout OJ Frederique Jr., who shined as a true freshman last year despite playing in one of the weakest defenses in the country. To further address those defensive struggles, Miami made a major coordinator change on that side of the ball, bringing in former Minnesota defensive coordinator Cory Hetherman. Hetherman brings an impressive resume, as his defense at Minnesota ranked among the nation’s best last season—ninth in points allowed (16.9 per game), fifth in total defense (285.7 yards per game), and tied for seventh nationally with 22 interceptions. His arrival gives the Hurricanes a much-needed identity on defense, something they lacked a season ago, and his scheme could be the difference in turning Miami into a complete team.
On the flipside of the ball, Miami faces the challenge of replacing their top six pass catchers from a year ago. Still, there’s little reason for concern given the amount of talent that has stepped in. Leading the way is JoJo Trader, a former four-star recruit from the 2024 class, who is primed for a breakout campaign. The Hurricanes also landed LSU transfer CJ Daniels, whose veteran presence will bring stability to an otherwise youthful receiving corps. Beyond those two, fans should keep an eye on explosive playmakers like Ny Carr, true freshman Joshua Moore, and none other than Malachi Toney. Toney, originally a member of the 2026 class before reclassifying to 2025, arrives with plenty of hype after winning the Nat Moore Award as South Florida’s best football player and being named Florida High School Player of the Year by MaxPreps. And of course, the offense will be led by Carson Beck at quarterback. Beck, the prized transfer from Georgia, brings an elite resume to Coral Gables. In two seasons as the Bulldogs’ starter, he threw for 7,426 yards and 52 touchdowns while playing against some of the toughest defenses in the nation. To make matters even better for the Hurricanes, Beck will operate behind what projects to be a top-three offensive line in the country, giving him the protection and time needed to unleash Miami’s retooled passing attack.