Mario Cristobal addresses how he keeps Miami players focused amid media attention

The Miami Hurricanes shot quickly out of the gates in 2025. Now, there’s a national discussion about the team not just producing Heisman-Trophy level talent but also competing for the ACC and College Football Playoff. Those are certainly goals the Hurricanes have, but for now, head coach Mario Cristobal is trying to keep his team focused on the task at hand.

As Miami turns the page to Week 4, Cristobal met with the media. There, he explained that it is a challenge to keep players focused. At the same time, it’s also vital to find continued success throughout the season.

“I think, as it relates to whoever has kids out there, teenagers or whatnot,” Mario Cristobal said. “To quote an old mentor, ‘You’re fighting for their minds every single day.’ So, assuming would be the worst thing that you can do. Yeah, the reminders are daily, and I think the reminders come in the form of really hard work and structured, challenging practices that can get the best out of each player. Competitive practices that remind players that the best guys, the best performers, will play, and that the week of practice does matter, and that your practice and execution or is going to be reflected on your game day performance.”

In 2024, Miami broke through under Mario Cristobal. The Hurricanes won 10 regular season games and started the season 9-0. However, two late season conference losses seemed to derail the season. Now, that can serve as an example for what the Hurricanes are looking to avoid in 2025 as they hope to finish the job.

“So we’re very honest, very transparent. We just go right at it,” Cristobal said. “And we think that’s the best way. It’s worked for us so far. And I think our guys are also very well aware of how many teams, including ourselves a year ago, can be humbled from one week to the next. If you’re not completely dialed into what you have to do.”

Miami is getting ready to play host to the Florida Gators at Hard Rock Stadium next. The Gators are coming into the game off of two losses in a row and they’re hungry to bounce back against an in-state rival. With plenty on the line and a talented opponent, Miami can’t overlook this next hurdle. Kickoff for that game is currently scheduled for Saturday, September 20th, at 7:30 p.m. EST.