ESPN Analyst Warns Miami’s 2025 Playoff Hopes Could Be Doomed by Familiar Late-Season Trap
As the 2025 college football season approaches, Miami fans are buzzing with excitement about the potential for their team to make a playoff run. Under head coach Mario Cristobal, the Hurricanes are rebuilding their program, and expectations are high. With a promising roster, including the dynamic Cam Ward at quarterback, Miami is hoping to compete for an ACC championship and potentially secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.
However, not everyone is convinced that Miami’s path to the playoffs will be clear. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit recently raised concerns about a familiar late-season trap that could derail the Hurricanes’ playoff aspirations. While Miami has the talent to compete with the best teams in the nation, Herbstreit believes that the team’s struggles in the second half of the season could undermine their chances of securing a spot in the postseason.
In this article, we’ll break down Herbstreit’s warning, examine Miami’s recent history with late-season struggles, and explore how the Hurricanes can avoid falling into this trap in 2025.
The Late-Season Trap: A Recurring Issue for Miami
Kirk Herbstreit’s warning centers around a recurring issue that has plagued Miami in recent years—struggles in the latter part of the season, especially when it comes to staying consistent during November. While Miami has often entered the final stretch of the season with a strong record and playoff aspirations, they’ve stumbled in key games during the latter half of the year, preventing them from achieving their goals.
This late-season slide has been a familiar storyline for Miami in recent seasons. Despite showing flashes of brilliance throughout the first part of the year, the Hurricanes have sometimes faltered in crucial matchups, particularly when the pressure of playoff contention is on the line. In games against strong conference opponents or out-of-conference rivals, Miami’s lack of consistency and depth has often been exposed, leading to costly losses that ultimately derail their playoff hopes.
Herbstreit highlighted that Miami’s struggles in these high-stakes matchups are often compounded by a combination of factors, including injuries, mental fatigue, and a tough schedule. As the season progresses, it can be challenging for teams to maintain the same level of intensity, especially when faced with tough road games, rivalry matchups, or teams fighting for bowl eligibility. Miami, like many programs, has fallen victim to this challenge in the past, and Herbstreit warns that the Hurricanes must overcome this hurdle if they want to compete at the highest level.
Miami’s Recent Late-Season Slumps
To understand why Herbstreit’s warning resonates, we need to look at Miami’s recent history and how late-season struggles have cost them in the past.
In the 2023 season, Miami started strong, earning notable wins over ranked opponents early in the year. However, as the season wore on, the Hurricanes began to show signs of vulnerability. They dropped games to teams that they were expected to beat, including a crucial loss to Florida State late in the year, which dashed their hopes of making a major bowl game and effectively ended their playoff dreams.
The 2022 season told a similar story. Miami entered November with hopes of making a run for a New Year’s Six bowl but lost several key games down the stretch. These losses came against teams that had either similar or inferior records, showcasing Miami’s inability to stay sharp and execute under pressure. Whether it was missed opportunities, key turnovers, or defensive lapses, Miami was unable to finish strong, leaving fans frustrated and disappointed.
Even in the 2021 season, which had high hopes after a solid start, Miami faltered late. They finished the season with a 7-5 record, and while they showed promise at times, their inability to close out the year with a string of victories kept them from achieving their full potential.
The recurring theme in all these late-season collapses has been a lack of depth, mental lapses, and the inability to maintain consistency through the final weeks of the regular season. These factors are what Herbstreit believes could once again spell trouble for the Hurricanes in 2025.
How Miami Can Avoid the Late-Season Trap
While Herbstreit’s warning should not be dismissed, Miami is in a better position than ever to avoid the pitfalls of a late-season collapse. Here are a few key factors that could help the Hurricanes overcome this challenge in 2025:
1. Depth and Roster Management
One of the biggest issues Miami has faced in previous seasons is a lack of depth, particularly when it comes to handling injuries and player fatigue during the second half of the season. In 2025, however, the Hurricanes have worked hard to bolster their roster through recruiting and transfers, and their depth has significantly improved.
With strong recruits on both sides of the ball, particularly in the trenches, Miami now has more bodies to rotate and keep players fresh. The offensive line, which has been a point of focus for Cristobal and his staff, looks solid, and the defense—especially the secondary—is deeper than it has been in years. This depth will be crucial in ensuring that Miami doesn’t wear down late in the year and that they can weather the physical toll of a long season.
2. Experience at Quarterback
Cam Ward, who is expected to lead the Hurricanes’ offense in 2025, has proven himself to be one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football. Ward’s ability to stay composed and make big plays under pressure will be key for Miami as they approach late-season matchups. His experience and leadership will help the Hurricanes avoid mental lapses and make sure the offense stays in rhythm, even when the stakes are high.
In previous seasons, Miami’s quarterback play was inconsistent, leading to missed opportunities and a lack of offensive production late in the year. With Ward at the helm, the Hurricanes should have more stability and execution down the stretch, even in tight games.
3. Coaching Stability and Development
Another critical aspect of Miami’s success in 2025 will be the stability and experience of their coaching staff. Head coach Mario Cristobal, an expert in program building and player development, has instilled a culture of toughness and discipline in Miami’s program. Under his leadership, the Hurricanes have focused on physicality, mental toughness, and a commitment to improvement.
Cristobal’s ability to keep his team focused and motivated through the ups and downs of a long season will be crucial. He has made it clear that one of his main priorities is to build a program that can sustain success throughout the entire year, not just during the early months. His coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Josh Gattis and defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, has a wealth of experience in handling tough late-season matchups, which will help the team navigate the final stretch of the season.
4. Maintaining Mental and Physical Health
Another element that will play a major role in Miami’s ability to avoid a late-season collapse is the mental and physical health of their key players. Cristobal’s focus on player development and conditioning will ensure that the Hurricanes are physically prepared for the grind of a long season.
Additionally, Miami’s sports science and medical staff will be crucial in keeping players healthy and preventing injuries that could sideline key contributors. The mental aspect of staying focused and motivated through the final stretch is equally important, and Miami’s leadership will need to keep players engaged and ready to play their best football when it matters most.
Final Thoughts: Can Miami Avoid the Late-Season Trap in 2025?
Kirk Herbstreit’s warning about Miami’s potential late-season struggles is a valid concern, given the team’s history. However, with the improvements made to the roster, coaching staff, and overall program culture, the Hurricanes are in a much better position to avoid the trap in 2025.
Miami’s playoff hopes depend on their ability to finish strong, stay healthy, and continue developing their depth throughout the season. With Cam Ward at quarterback and Mario Cristobal leading the charge, the Hurricanes are poised for a promising season—but only if they can overcome the challenges that have undone them in the past.
The 2025 season will be a defining moment for Miami football. If the Hurricanes can avoid the late-season trap and maintain their focus through November and December, they’ll have every opportunity to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff and compete for a national championship.