Miami absolutely belongs in the top 25 conversation, and dismissing them because of the portal is ignoring how the sport works now. Their offense with Cam Ward is a legitimate threat, and he posted a 66.7% completion rate with 25 touchdowns last year at Washington State, which is a massive upgrade. The ACC schedule argument is weak when you look at their actual performance metrics. They finished last season ranked 30th in SP+, showing clear improvement, and their defensive front seven returns serious production. To call them a fraud is just rivalry bitterness. Every contender uses the portal heavily, and Miami's overall roster talent, especially on the defensive line, stacks up well in a Power Five league. Their red zone touchdown percentage was top 40 nationally last year, and with Ward's playmaking, that should only climb. Writing them off before a snap is lazy analysis. They have clear weaknesses, but so does every team ranked 15-25, and Miami's ceiling with that quarterback is higher than most.