Miami ranks in the top ten of ESPN's Power Rankings
No. 9 Miami Hurricanes
As soon as quarterback Cam Ward arrived via the transfer portal in January, expectations around the Hurricanes in Year 3 under Mario Cristobal started to rise. Everyone saw why against Florida in a performance that will go down in the history books in the once-annual rivalry game. Ward threw for 385 yards and three touchdowns, often looking nonchalant as he stepped back to pass. Maybe that is because his offensive line protected him all day, giving him the confidence to sit in the pocket and take his time. Even when he did have to scramble out, he still made jaw-dropping plays, including one across his body to Jacolby George in the back of the end zone for a touchdown.Beyond his performance, Miami is starting to look the way Cristobal has planned since his arrival: Tough and physical on the offensive and defensive lines. The Hurricanes will be favored in their next three nonconference games, starting Saturday against Florida A&M. But Cristobal knows a big opening win only means so much. To back up the statement that was made, they have to keep winning. -- Andrea Adelson
1. Georgia, 2. Ohio State, 3. Texas, 4. Alabama, 5. Notre, Dame, 6. Penn State and 7. Ole Miss and 8. Oregon are ranked ahead of the Hurricanes.
NC State, Clemson, and Georgia Tech are the other conference teams ranked in the top 25.