Miami is one of the favorites to win the ACC Coastal this season and is the top choice for the experts over at Athlon Sports.

The Hurricanes return quarterback Tyler Van Dyke and rejuvenated its defense with several transfer portal additions. They also get back key offensive pieces like running back Jaylan Knighton, tight end Will Mallory and offensive lineman Zion Nelson.

That’s likely a big reason why Athlon is picking the Canes to win their division. Athlon is projecting Miami to finish just ahead of Pitt and North Carolina:

The Coastal should be an intriguing division in 2022. Both Pitt and North Carolina will have highly-touted replacements at quarterback. Virginia Tech and Virginia will each be working with a first-year head coach.

The lack of continuity across the division creates an opening for Miami. The Canes also have a new head coach in Mario Cristobal, but he’s got plenty of experience in this role from his time with Oregon and Florida International.

Miami has a 27.7% chance to win its division, according to ESPN’s FPI projection. FPI is projecting Pittsburgh (44.8%) to win the Coastal.

Miami hosts Pittsburgh on Nov. 26 — the final week of the regular season. It’s possible that will be a play-in game to the ACC Championship Game.

The Canes open the 2022 campaign with Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 3.