Canes Unranked in AP Preseason Poll

The Associated Press released their preseason poll for the 2023 season at noon on Monday with the Miami Hurricanes falling outside the top 25. The Canes were ranked 16^th in last years’ preseason AP Poll, but a 5-7 season has heavily dampened expectations coming into the 2023 season. Miami climbed up to 13^th in the AP Poll by week three of last season before quickly tumbling out of the top 25.

The Canes will hope to turn the tides this season and move their way up the rankings after not receiving a single top 25 vote in the preseason. If Miami can get past Texas A&M in week two, they’ll likely be favored in all of their other early season games against Miami Ohio, Bethune Cookman, Temple, and Georgia Tech. A 5-0 start is not out of the question and would have the Hurricanes well inside the top 25 as they reach the much tougher back end of the schedule.

While Miami fell outside of the preseason top 25, many of their opponents did not. Texas A&M came in at number 23 in the preseason poll and will likely be a top 25 team when they come down to Miami in week two. Miami will also face number 21 UNC as well as top 10 opponents FSU and Clemson who were ranked 8^th and 9^th respectively. 

The Canes will have to prove to the voters that they belong in the rankings after last seasons’ disappointing showing. While no team on the schedule can be overlooked, as the Canes found out against Middle Tennessee State in 2022, the week two showdown with Texas A&M will be the first opportunity for Miami to impress the voters against a quality opponent.