Urban Meyer questions if Miami 'will ever be back'

At one time, there was no team hotter in college football than Miami. Now, after several years of lackluster campaigns, the Hurricanes are one of the top teams in the country again. During an appearance on The Herd on Thursday, former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer revealed whether he’d consider Miami officially back.

“What I like the best is their coaching staff, their head coach and consistency. He’s been fairly consistent,” Meyer said of Miami’s Mario Cristobal. “Not that long ago, Colin, the winner of [Miami versus FSU], won eight national championships. So, it’s great to see. Think about that. The winner of this game back in the Bobby Bowden and the Jimmy Johnson, that era, Larry Coker era — they won eight national titles, the winner of this game.

“I’m not saying [Miami’s] there yet, but I like consistency. I’ve always had respect for Cristobal. That’s his home. If he can’t do it, then I’m not sure in our lifetime, (if) Miami will ever be back. So, I’m not saying they’re back yet, but this is as close as it’s been in 15 years.”

Cristobal took over at Miami in 2022. In his first season at the helm, he led the Hurricanes to a 5-7 record. Cristobal stepped up his game in 2023, guiding the Hurricanes to a 7-6 mark.

Unsatisfied, Cristobal and the Hurricanes posted a 10-3 record last season, narrowly missing the College Football Playoff. With a 4-0 record this season and ranked No. 3 in the country, it looks like Miami is heading toward an even better season than last.

Miami already has wins over Notre Dame, USF and Florida this season. With ACC play beginning, Miami has an opportunity to enter the postseason undefeated. The Hurricanes haven’t accomplished such a feat since 2002 under Larry Coker.

Alas, with Cristobal leading the way, it feels like the sky is the limit for the Hurricanes. Earlier this week, Cristobal discussed the team’s mindset heading into their showdown against No. 18 Florida State this weekend.

“We always knew this as the best rivalry in football coming up,” Cristobal said. “As a player, that’s always a reason why players chose to go to one of the two respective schools. I mean, college football is the best sport in the world, so the fact that people bring up historical moments and whatnot, it’s not surprising.

“I do think our players, alumni bases, fans, they all understand how intense this rivalry is. But, I think our players, more importantly, understand the importance of practice and preparation, and that’s what our focus is on right now.”