“Culture” is the buzzword for Miami (FL) entering the 2023 season. Mario Cristobal, like the Hurricanes’ coaches before him, fielded questions about how it is that a program that has churned out so much NFL talent in recent seasons has been unable to return to its former championship glory. Cristobal pointed to the culture at Miami (FL) as both the cause of and solution to its problems. As he heads into his second season at the helm of his alma mater, Cristobal said he is confident the tide is turning in south Florida and the improving culture will translate into on-field success.
Miami (FL) hasn’t registered double-digit wins since 2017 and has failed to win a conference championship since joining the ACC in 2004, but the Hurricanes have been accruing talent through both traditional recruiting and the transfer portal. The offensive line adds Alabama transfer Javion Cohen to the mix and Davonte Brown (UCF) is expected to make an immediate impact at cornerback. Brown will join a group that is already considered the strength of the defense with All-American Kamren Kinchens and James Williams forming one of the best safety duos in college football. Cristobal is also looking to regain a home-field advantage after dropping five of seven at Hard Rock Stadium last season.
Cristobal is also turning to new coordinators this season with Shannon Dawson (Houston) taking over the offense and Lance Guidry (Marshall) taking charge of the defense.
The Canes open their season in a “battle of Miamis” against Miami (OH) on Sept. 1 before playing host to Texas A&M on Sept. 9. Miami’s season may hinge on a pair of key midseason games as the Hurricanes square off with ACC stalwarts North Carolina (Oct. 14) and Clemson (Oct. 21) in consecutive weeks.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal at ACC Kickoff
RETURNING STARTERS
OFFENSE (7)
QB • Tyler Van Dyke • Jr.
RB • Henry Parrish, Jr. • Jr.
WR • Frank Ladson, Jr. • Sr.
WR • Colbie Young • Jr.
WR • Xavier Restrepo • Jr.
LT • Zion Nelson • Sr.
RG • Anez Cooper • So.
DEFENSE (5)
DE • Akheem Mesidor • Jr.
DE • Jahfari Harvey • Jr.
DT • Leonard Taylor III • Jr.
Nickel • Te’Cory Couch • Sr.
S • James Williams • Jr.
S • Kamren Kinchens • Jr.
Miami (FL) 2023 Schedule
Sept. 1 vs. Miami (OH)
Sept. 9 vs. Texas A&M
Sept. 14 vs. Bethune-Cookman
Sept. 23 at Temple
Oct. 7 vs. Georgia Tech
Oct. 14 at North Carolina
Oct. 21 vs. Clemson
Oct. 28 vs. Virginia
Nov. 4 at NC State
Nov. 11 at Florida State
Nov. 18 vs. Louisville
Nov. 24 at Boston College
2022 Results
5-7 Overall • 3-5 ACC
Home: 2-5 Away: 3-2
Sept. 3 vs. Bethune-Cookman W 70-13
Sept. 10 vs. Southern Miss W 30-7
Sept. 17 at Texas A&M L 17-9
Sept. 24 vs. Middle Tennessee State L 45-31
Oct. 8 vs. North Carolina L 27-24
Oct. 15 at Virginia Tech W 20-14
Oct. 22 vs. Duke L 45-21
Oct. 29 at Virginia W 14-12 (4 OT)
Nov. 5 vs. Florida State L 45-3
Nov. 12 at Georgia Tech W 35-14
Nov. 19 at Clemson L 40-10
Nov. 26 vs. Pittsburgh L 42-16
