Podcast: What’s next for Miami baseball? And UM lays foundation for 2024 recruiting class

The Miami Hurricanes are stepping into a new era with Gino DiMare stepping down and a chance to revitalize the baseball program with a fresh set of eyes.

DiMare’s decision to resign after No. 9-seed Miami’s latest opening-weekend exit from the NCAA tournament shocked the Eye on the U podcast, and David Wilson and Susan Miller Degnan, the Hurricanes beat writer for the Miami Herald, check in a week later to reflect on the move and what it might mean for the Hurricanes moving forward.

First of all, it was unexpected, with Miami still mostly trending upward since DiMare took over ahead of the 2019 college baseball season, even despite failing to get out of the regional in any of his six seasons as the coach in Coral Gables.

Now, it presents an opportunity for the Hurricanes. DiMare was a disciple of former coach Jim Morris and Miami has a chance to sever some of their ties to the past as their College World Series drought now stretches past seven years.

A coaching search is underway and it will be fascinating to see which path the Hurricanes choose.

Meanwhile, recruiting season is heating up and Miami landed one of its biggest commitments of the Class of 2024 so far on Thursday with the addition of four-star tight end Elija Lofton from Las Vegas’ Bishop Gorman.

Is it the start of something big for the Hurricanes? Miami is still trying to add some blue-chip talent to its 2024 recruiting class — Lofton is only the second to commit so far — and a loaded month of official visitors is a nice starting point.

A year ago, Miami’s recruiting class started to take off right about now, so it’s time for coach Mario Cristobal and Co. to make their move once summer arrives.

As always, thanks for listening and please continue to rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.