Mario Cristobal sends parting message to outgoing Miami players

Miami won 10 games this season for only the second time in 20 years. While the Hurricanes weren’t able to achieve their ultimate goal of competing for a national championship, they took a massive step forward in the 2024 campaign. Head coach Mario Cristobal knows none of it would have been possible without Miami’s senior leaders.

“Incredible human beings. Incredible competitors. Guys at the University of Miami, the orange and Green — wearing it means everything to them, and they put it on display every single Saturday,” Cristobal said after the Pop-Tarts Bowl. “Again, these guys, a lot of firsts in a long, long time. They were undefeated at home.

“They won the State Championship, so to speak. They won ten games for the second time in 20 years, and all those were positives. Then, in three games, we fell short by a drive, a play, a series. Those things are painful, and it makes you understand and realize how the details in football come into play against really good teams.”

Miami celebrated 27 seniors at its Senior Day this season. While there may be a few who are able to return next season, most of them will be moving on to the next chapter of their lives. Cristobal won’t forget what they did for the program.

Miami kicked off the season with nine straight wins, including victories over in-state rivals Florida and Florida State. It was the first time Miami defeated both schools in a single season since 2004. The Hurricanes reaped the benefits of the victories, establishing themselves as a premier destination for any recruits in The Sunshine State.

Mario Cristobal couldn’t be more thankful for his senior leaders’ contributions.

“These guys have put Miami back on the map as a team that’s rising, and their efforts, their resilience,” Cristobal said. The culture that they have set, they are early to everything. They do everything to the best of their abilities. They hold themselves to high standards.

“These guys are elite human beings, and they are going to be elite in life in everything they do. I look forward to watching these guys play for a long time on Sundays. They have certainly raised the standard and one that now, it’s the next generation’s turn to uphold the legacy and make it better.”