Staff predictions for the Miami Hurricanes’ 2023 season

Dave Hyde

Sports Columnist

Comment: The first month will be crucial with new coordinators and a cast of new players through recruiting and the transfer portal. The schedule is set up for just that with three should-be wins and an unranked Texas A&M at home. Get some answers on defense and the season could be a surprise after a disappointing 2022 season in Year 1 of the Mario Cristobal era. Prediction: 9-3

Adam Lichtenstein

Hurricanes beat writer

Comment: The Hurricanes need to show improvement in Year 2 under Mario Cristobal. The return of quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who is healthy after a shoulder injury derailed his 2022 campaign, and a revamped offensive line can give Miami fans reasons to believe this year’s UM squad will be drastically better than last year’s disappointing team. Prediction: 8-4

Kathy Laughlin

Sports Editor

Comment: You know Hurricanes fans. This is a make-or-break year for coach Mario Cristobal, and if it’s a rocky start, those airplanes with “Fire Cristobal”  banners will be circling Hard Rock Stadium before long. Cristobal has quarterback Tyler Van Dyke back after injury, and the new offensive and defensive coordinators should be able to help turn things around enough after a 5-7 season. Will it be enough? Prediction: 8-4

Keven Lerner

Assistant Sports Editor

Comment: Is The U back? That involves more questions than answers. After a dreadful 2022 season, the Hurricanes spent the offseason overhauling the roster and coaching staff. With two new coordinators, several new position coaches and an influx of freshman and transfer talent, the team should improve. However, they may still have trouble with some of the tougher teams on the schedule like Clemson, Florida State and Texas A&M. Prediction: 8-4