With the advent of the college football season upon us, College Football Network has released its 2024 Preseason All-American list, with four Miami Hurricanes players being recognized on the list. Which athletes were recognized for their abilities as the 2024 season embarks?
Which Miami Hurricanes Players Earned CFN All-American Honors?
Following a season with mixed reviews in 2023, Miami charges into this season with four Hurricanes players earning a spot on the preseason All-American list. The Canes have reloaded with talent after a 7-6 record and should be poised to compete in the revamped ACC with 17 starters returning.
While he wasn’t a starter at Miami last season, Cam Ward‘s arrival adds a significant piece to Miami’s roster. Nationally, Ward was named the Biggest Transfer Impact of the Year and Offensive Transfer of the Year.
In the ACC, Ward was named preseason Newcomer of the Year, Offensive Transfer of the Year, Quarterback of the Year, Offensive Newcomer of the Year, and first-team All-ACC as quarterback — a hefty load for sure.
Joining Ward on the offensive side of the ball was Xavier Restrepo, earning Honorable Mention All-American list honors and preseason second-team All-ACC. The venerable Restrepo led the team with 85 receptions and 1,092 yards in 2023.
Defensively, Francisco Mauigoa headlines the list of two Miami players to earn preseason All-American honors. Mauigoa was named second-team All-American, and his cohort, Rueben Bain Jr., landed on the third-team, giving the Hurricanes’ defense some serious potential for returning production.
Mauigoa was also selected as preseason Linebacker of the Year and first-team All-ACC as a linebacker. Likewise, Bain was also placed on the first-team All-ACC Defense as a Flex player.
From the insightful musings of CFN Executive Director Cam Mellor, here are his takes on the Hurricanes All-American honorees.
Cam Ward, QB, (Newcomer of the Year, Offensive Newcomer of the Year, Offensive Transfer of the Year)
Yes, Miami is talented this year, but the straw that will stir their drink is undoubtedly Ward. As Ward goes, Miami will go. And if he’s as improved as he’s looked so far, this ‘Canes team can go far in 2024.
Ward’s lone bugaboo through his career has been turnovers and ball security, something Mario Cristobal and Co. have seemingly worked on this summer. He’s incredibly talented and should make the biggest impact of any offensive transfer in relation to isolated success.
When it all comes down to it, Ward is a gifted signal-caller with an incredibly high ceiling if he can continue to take care of the football. The Miami offense hasn’t seen a player with his boom-or-bust ability in some time.
Full List of Hurricanes Players Earning CFN All-American Honors
- Cam Ward, QB (Newcomer of the Year, Offensive Newcomer of the Year, Offensive Transfer of the Year)
- Francisco Mauigoa, LB (Second-Team All-American)
- Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE (Third-Team All-American)
- Xavier Restrepo, WR (Honorable Mention All-American)
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