Collegiate gridiron action is set to commence this month.
With August upon us, the countdown is on, as Kansas State and Iowa State gear up for their clash in Dublin to kick off the 2025 regular season in under three weeks. With the season rapidly approaching, it’s time to unveil our anticipated top 10 teams.
We’re unveiling our top 10 teams leading up to 2025 throughout the initial weeks of August. The rankings for teams positioned from Nos. 11 through 25 can be explored here. (Odds provided by BetMGM.)
No. 10 Miami
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2025 national championship odds: 30-1
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Odds to make College Football Playoff: +200
2024 in 100 words
Cam Ward’s exceptional season, a near Heisman-caliber performance, couldn’t solely propel the Hurricanes to success. Miami showcased a potent offense, leading the nation with an average of 44 points per game. However, a late-season defeat against Syracuse shattered their playoff aspirations. The Hurricanes suffered their initial setback against Georgia Tech on Nov. 9. Subsequently, Syracuse delivered a stunning 42-38 upset three weeks later, relegating Miami to a 10-2 record, effectively eliminating them from the ACC title contention and, ultimately, the College Football Playoff.
Carson Beck is now at quarterback for Miami. (Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports)
The quarterback
The former Georgia QB is transferring to Miami with aspirations of concluding his collegiate journey on a high note, while simultaneously enhancing his prospects for the NFL Draft.
Beck showcased his talent in his inaugural season as Georgia’s starting quarterback in 2023. He completed 302 of 417 passes, amassing 3,941 yards and recording 24 touchdowns against a mere six interceptions. This performance positioned him as a Heisman contender leading into the 2024 season, but last season didn’t unfold as anticipated. Beck faced challenges, notably in crucial contests for Georgia. He threw three interceptions against Alabama before orchestrating a near second-half resurgence. Additionally, he threw three interceptions against Texas — a 30-15 Georgia victory — and then had three picks in a 34-20 win over Florida.
His season concluded prematurely in the SEC championship showdown against Texas when he sustained an elbow injury during a Hail Mary attempt as the first half drew to a close. Beck was relieved by Gunner Stockton for the remainder of the game and the College Football Playoff, eventually transferring to Miami following the season through a lucrative NIL agreement.
“I believe the paramount factor for me was the offensive compatibility,” Beck remarked concerning his decision to transfer to Miami. “As a quarterback, the OC, the tactical approach, the caliber of talent, and the supporting cast are pivotal for success and, fundamentally, the trajectory [of a quarterback like myself].”
Non-QB to watch
The former Liberty and LSU wide receiver is embarking on his sixth year in collegiate football in 2025. Daniels dedicated four years to Liberty, amassing 55 receptions for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023 before making the transition to LSU. During his single season with the Tigers, Daniels secured 42 catches for 480 yards as part of an impressive receiving corps.
At Miami, Daniels is set to have ample opportunities to receive passes from Beck. The Hurricanes experienced the departure of every player who recorded over 10 receptions in 2024. Daniels has the potential to emerge as Beck’s primary target, with Miami’s passing game poised for a significant transformation in 2025.
Francis Mauigoa is one of the best offensive tackles in the country. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
(Todd Kirkland via Getty Images)
Best position group
The Hurricanes are welcoming back three of their five starting players on the offensive line, which features Francis Mauigoa, a potential first-round selection. Joining them is James Brockermeyer, formerly a TCU center and a reliable presence for the Horned Frogs.
A strong offensive line is anticipated to facilitate Beck’s assimilation into the offense. Additionally, the line will provide protection for a quarterback who may not possess the same level of mobility as Ward.
“If I’m tasked with providing a 10-second block for him to execute a play, I’ll gladly do it, just as I did last year,” Mauigoa conveyed during ACC media day. “My mindset, shared by the entire O-line group, is to do whatever it takes to achieve success.”
Biggest game
While a compelling argument can be made for the season opener against Notre Dame, our focus is on a game that holds significant implications for the ACC title race. Miami could potentially absorb a defeat against Notre Dame and still secure a playoff berth. However, the outcome of the game at SMU is anticipated to have significant consequences for the conference title picture.
Why Miami is at No. 10
Surely, the Miami defense can’t replicate its subpar performance from 2024, correct? Despite personnel changes at quarterback, running back, and receiver, Miami is expected to maintain a formidable offense, assuming Beck maintains full health.
Meanwhile, the defense must demonstrate improvement. Miami conceded at least 31 points on six separate occasions in 2024, and their defensive statistics were bolstered by earlier non-conference performances.
Coach Mario Cristobal prioritized addressing the defense in the transfer portal, securing the commitments of cornerbacks Ethan O’Connor (Washington State), Charles Brantley (Michigan State), and Xavier Lucas (Wisconsin), alongside linebacker Mohamed Toure from Rutgers. Toure recorded 93 tackles and 10 tackles for loss for the Scarlet Knights in 2024.
These new additions will collaborate with Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor. Together, they amassed nine sacks and 15 tackles for loss on the defensive line last year.
This anticipated defensive resurgence is the primary reason why we believe Miami will secure a playoff spot this year, avoiding the late-season collapse that has plagued them in recent seasons. Matchups against Notre Dame, Florida, Louisville, and SMU should afford Miami sufficient schedule strength to avoid anxieties regarding the playoff bubble with another 10-2 season.
