Ex-LSU HC Delivers Verdict on Mario Cristobal After Miami Lands Nation’s No. 1 Player

Ed Orgeron may be out of coaching, but he’s still keeping a close eye on the college football world—and especially on his longtime friend, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal.

Speaking with 1010XL Jacksonville Sports Radio this week, the former LSU head coach gave a glowing endorsement of Cristobal’s work at The U after Miami landed the No. 1 player in the country, five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell.

"I will say this, I've seen the talent level get better and better each year," Orgeron said. "As you know, Mario is a relentless recruiter. We just got committed the number one player in the country."

Cristobal’s recruiting prowess has never been in question. But with the addition of Cantwell—an elite 6-foot-8 lineman with NFL potential—Orgeron believes the difference is beginning to show in how the Hurricanes operate day-to-day.

"Now, as you know, the better the talent, the better the competition is going to be," Orgeron continued. "So I think the competition level has—the practices have changed since he's been there."

Orgeron, who led LSU to a national championship in 2019, has long valued elite line play, and his comments reflect confidence in Cristobal’s ability to build a contender from the trenches out.

Miami finished 10-3 in 2024 and just missed out on the expanded College Football Playoff.