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UM Hurricanes showcase football recruits in Pop-Tarts Bowl

Posted on by Taylor Reeves
UM Hurricanes showcase football recruits in Pop-Tarts Bowl

Fans and critics alike could view the Pop-Tarts Bowl as a consolation prize for the Miami and Iowa State football teams after both failed to force their way into the 12-team College Football Playoff field.

That is not the case, according to the two head coaches.

“I laugh about it. To say something like that is ridiculous, to be quite honest,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said.

The coaches say both teams are proud of their season performance and consider it a privilege to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

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University of Miami cheerleaders cheer during the Pop-Tarts Bowl Pep Rally at Pointe Orlando on Friday, December 27, 2024. The Pop-Tarts Bowl Game will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

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Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal said no one in his program viewed this season as a failure.

Miami went 10-2, but losses to Georgia Tech and Syracuse left the Hurricanes eliminated from the ACC title game and a chance to get into the CFP. Iowa State made it to the Big 12 title game, but lost to Arizona State, knocking the Cyclones out of CFP contention at 10-3.

“For us, not winning every single football game and every single replay creates disappointment in the right way – you build up positive anger and want to get a better result in the process,” Cristobal said. “But when it comes to the commitment, achievements and progress of the players, there is no disappointment.

“These thought processes are things that don’t creep into our processes, our way of thinking. All we’re thinking about is finding ways to get better, doing the right thing for our people and … continuing to make progress in our organization.”

In the CFP era, NFL-caliber players often choose to stop playing in bowls and prepare for the April NFL draft. Heisman Trophy contender Cam Ward could have taken that loss, but the Miami quarterback chose to play in the bowl.

Heisman Trophy finalists, from left, Dillon Gabriel of Oregon, Travis Hunter of Colorado, Ashton Jeanty of Boise State and Cam Ward of Miami pose with the trophy during a college football media event Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
Heisman Trophy finalists, from left, Dillon Gabriel of Oregon, Travis Hunter of Colorado, Ashton Jeanty of Boise State and Cam Ward of Miami pose with the trophy during a college football media event Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)

Ward had a great season, finishing fourth in the Heisman voting after transferring from Washington State for his final season. He threw for 4,123 yards and 36 touchdowns.

“Today in college football at every level – coaches, players, administrators – we are compensated for doing a job,” Cristobal said. “And I think that Cam’s DNA, his upbringing, everything he’s made of and what he stands for is the right thing. He has had a tremendous impact on our community, our team and our program.

“He understands how important it is to get a finish and he understands the caliber of opposition we’re up against and how important it is that we play at a really high level to give ourselves the chance to do that “To win the game.” So certainly a credit to him and the rest of these seniors.”

Miami welcomes signees from the Orlando area

Cristobal and the Miami coaches hit Central Florida hard in the 2025 recruiting cycle, bringing in three offensive linemen, all of whom signed with the Hurricanes early on National Signing Day this month. These players, all early enrollees for the spring 2025 semester, were able to be added to the squad.

Seminole’s Max Buchanan, Edgewater’s Jaden Wilkerson and Orlando Christian Prep’s Demetrius Campbell were all able to attend practice in Miami this week.

“It was great to see them all at practice yesterday and it definitely bodes well for the future,” Cristobal said. “Their size, strength. … these guys are elite football players and we will continue to have a really strong presence in the state of Florida and work hard to retain in-state talent down in Coral Gables.”

UM’s recruiting success in the Orlando area drew a lot of attention, and the Canes also have Jones quarterback Dereon Coleman signed for 2026. The Canes’ bowl game appearance in Orlando helps grow the Miami brand even further in Central Florida .

Homecoming for two hurricanes

Two Orlando products are celebrating their homecoming weekend at Camping World Stadium. Miami backup safety Markeith Williams, an Evans High product, and backup defensive end Malik Bryant of Jones High will return to a stadium where they played as high school students.

Bryant has 16 tackles and 1.5 sacks this season. Williams has 10 tackles and one pass deflection.

Chris Hays can be found on X.com @OS_ChrisHays.

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