Paul Finebaum Names Major College Football Coach Who Has Finally Turned a Corner

The 2026 college football season is fast approaching, as teams are in the midst of fall camp. The Miami Hurricanes are a team that is looking to prove last season wasn't a flash in the pan, but rather the new standard under head coach Mario Cristobal.

Mario Cristobal Brings Miami Back to Prominence

Cristobal took over his alma mater before the 2022 season. When he took over, the team had one double-digit-win season since 2003. Now, he's got them into a constant contender, leading them to back-to-back double-digit-win seasons.

His best season was last year, when the team went 13-3 and made the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. They would then go on an improbable run, upsetting the Texas A&M Aggies, the defending champion Ohio State Buckeyes and the Ole Miss Rebels en route to the national championship game. However, their dream run would fall short, as they lost 27-21 to the Indiana Hoosiers.

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal speaks to the media. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Paul Finebaum Praises Mario Cristobal After Miami's Breakthrough Season

On "The Paul Finebaum Show," the SEC Network analyst was asked about his thoughts on Cristobal heading into the 2026 season. Finebaum admitted that he is a fan, but there have been some frustrating moments during his tenure.

"I've always liked him, "Finebaum said. "He's been frustrating to be a fan of because he's had a couple of close calls where I really wondered whether he would ever get it done. He was on a roll at Oregon, but when Miami came calling, I don't need to give you the back story... it would be impossible to say no to. I doubted a couple of years ago that he would be able to get this done, but he finally hit the right switch, and I give him credit for that."

Hurricanes Looking to Prove 2025 Wasn't a Fluke

The biggest question facing Miami in 2026 is whether it can sustain the success. Cristobal has already established that he can build a talented roster and compete at the highest level. Now, he has to show that last season's run was the beginning of a new era rather than the peak of his tenure.

That's where the pressure comes from. Miami enters the season with higher expectations than ever under Cristobal. The Hurricanes aren't simply trying to reach the College Football Playoff anymore. They are trying to win it.

Finebaum's comments suggest that Cristobal has finally earned the benefit of the doubt after years of frustration. Cristobal finally hit the right switch in 2025. Now, Miami has to prove he can keep it on in 2026.

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