Way-too-early Top 25 projections for 2021 college football season

Miami finished third in the ACC in 2020, just missing a chance to play for the conference title behind Clemson and Notre Dame. The Hurricanes suffered a late collapse, losing both of their final two games to finish the year with three defeats. The close loss to Oklahoma State in the Cheez-It Bowl won’t be enough for pollsters to downvote the Hurricanes, and they will likely open 2020 in the top 15 of the AP Top 25 as a result.

Optimism in Coral Gables stems from the return of Houston transfer D’Eriq King for one more season at quarterback. King must recover from a torn ACL suffered in the bowl game, but is on pace to return by the 2021 season opener. While the offense improved after Rhett Lashlee took over as offensive coordinator for the departed Dan Enos, defense continues to be an issue that must be addressed if the Hurricanes hope to serious contend for the ACC crown.

We will know right out of the gate whether Miami is a contender or a pretender on the national stage. The Hurricanes open 2021 against defending national champion Alabama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and they follow that up with tough home tests out of conference against Appalachian State and Michigan State. Working in Miami’s favor is the fact that they will only face Clemson if both teams reach the ACC championship game.