Pressure Mounts For Major College Football HC

The next two weeks will be pivotal for Miami head coach Mario Cristobal if he wants his team to contend for an ACC title in 2024.

On3's Jesse Simonton noted that despite the Hurricanes ranking third in the conference in preseason championship odds, they have more holes than most other potential contenders.

"No team set to be ranked come August has more obvious roster needs than Miami right now," Simonton wrote, later noting the team lacks "experience at tailback, receiver, defensive back, linebacker and edge."

Cristobal, who is 12-13 in two seasons as Miami head coach, likely can't afford another season of mediocrity.

He made a big splash in the offseason's earlier transfer portal window, but more is needed.

During the winter transfer portal period, Miami added former Washington State quarterback Cam Ward, which should put the Hurricanes near the top of the ACC.

In two seasons in Spokane, Ward was 643-of-982 (65.5 percent) for 6,968 yards (7.1 yards per attempt), 48 touchdowns and 16 interceptions

But Ward won't be enough to get the Hurricanes their first conference championship since they won the Big East in 2003. Miami has never won the ACC.

Look for Cristobal to be aggressive in adding to Miami's roster before the spring portal closes on April 30. If not, his time in South Beach might soon be over.