A record-setting year is over for the Miami Hurricanes.

Thanks to star quarterback Cam Ward, the proud program came tantalizingly close to reclaiming a place on the national stage. Ward propelled Miami to a 9-0 start and, ultimately, within a single win of reaching the ACC Championship Game and College Football Playoff.

However, two losses in November kept the 'Canes frustratingly short of a chance at a significant trophy. They ended up heading to the Pop-Tarts Bowl, losing 42-41 to Iowa State and finishing 10-3.

Miami will lament the missed opportunity of 2024, but Mario Cristobal can continue moving his alma mater in a positive direction if the Hurricanes have another productive offseason.

Who's Staying

High-Upside Backfield

Even if top rusher Damien Martinez bolts for the pros as anticipated, Miami's backfield is in good hands. Mark Fletcher rushed for 545 yards and eight touchdowns in a rotational role, and Jordan Lyle had a couple of 100-yard performances in his limited snaps. Fletcher and Lyle would be a classic "thunder and lightning" type of duo.

Experienced Offensive Line

Star tackle/guard Jalen Rivers is headed to the NFL, and center Zach Carpenter leaves a void in the middle. Nevertheless, the 'Canes should have a veteran group up front with left tackle Markel Bell, left guard Matthew McCoy, right guard Anez Cooper and right tackle Francis Mauigoa.

Recent Freshman All-Americans

The reality of Miami's season is the defense did not improve and cost the team immensely in November. Communication and alignment issues plagued the 'Canes throughout the season. But from an individual perspective, they have a couple of building blocks. Edge-rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was a freshman All-American in 2023, and cornerback OJ Frederique Jr. earned that status in 2024.

Who's Leaving

Heisman-Caliber QB

What a season from Cam Ward. After transferring from Washington State, he elevated the 'Canes in remarkable fashion. He shattered school records with 4,123 passing yards and 36 touchdowns in the regular season alone. Ward's playmaking ability was on full display as he helped Miami hit double-digit wins for the first time since 2017. Ward, who's out of eligibility, could be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Most of the Receiving Corps

Not only will Miami be breaking in a new quarterback, the pass-catching group effectively will be brand new. Record-setting wide receiver Xavier Restrepo and top complement Jacolby George used up their eligibility. Tight end Elijah Arroyo is likely bound for the NFL, and Isaiah Horton would've been the No. 1 target but transferred to Alabama.

Impact Seniors on Defense

As discussed, the unit had plenty of flaws. Still, replacing some key seniors is not always done easily. Simeon Barrow Jr. excelled at defensive tackle, and edge-rusher Tyler Baron had good moments. Kiko Mauigoa paced the 'Canes in tackles at linebacker, and versatile defensive back Mishael Powell snagged five interceptions.

Who's on the Way

Reinforcements in the Secondary

The season-defining loss at Syracuse perfectly embodied—in a bad way—the struggles of Miami's secondary. It's no surprise, then, the 'Canes have aggressively pursued defensive backs in the portal. They've brought in Michigan State corner Charles Brantley, Arizona corner Emmanuel Karnley and Jacksonville State safety Zechariah Poyser, and they shouldn't be finished, either.

More Transfers

Cristobal has emphasized high school recruiting, which is the healthiest way to build a program. But every year, Miami is active with transfers. That's evident in the secondary but also extends to adding LSU receiver CJ Daniels and Louisiana Tech defensive tackle David Blay, a first-team All-Conference USA performer in 2024.

Top-15 Recruiting Class

On one hand, the 'Canes missed every 5-star target and lost a couple of top commitments late in the process. It wasn't a perfect cycle. Nevertheless, they reeled in 15 blue-chip prospects with center SJ Alofaituli (96th overall), wide receiver Joshua Moore (114th) and running back Gerard Pringle Jr. (132nd) leading the 15th-ranked haul.