Joshua Moore is staying home-and for Miami, that’s a big win.
The Hurricanes are reloading at wide receiver after a National Championship run that saw key contributors like CJ Daniels and Keelan Marion finish their collegiate careers. Both were savvy transfer portal additions who brought big-play ability and veteran leadership to the offense. Now, with the 2026 season on the horizon, Miami is once again dipping into the portal for reinforcements-but they’re also holding onto something just as valuable: homegrown talent.
Joshua Moore, a four-star product out of West Broward High School, is returning for his sophomore season. And while his freshman numbers-17 catches for 210 yards and two touchdowns-might not leap off the page, they only tell part of the story.
Moore showed flashes of what made him such a coveted recruit, including both of his scores coming in a breakout performance against South Florida. He played in 14 games and saw action in three of Miami’s four College Football Playoff matchups, including the National Championship.
That kind of experience, especially for a true freshman, is priceless.
Moore’s return comes at a time of transition for the Hurricanes’ receiver room. Chance Robinson (NC State), Ny Carr (Wake Forest), and Nathaniel “Ray Ray” Joseph (East Carolina) have all entered the portal and committed elsewhere.
Joshisa Trader remains undecided. That opens the door for Moore to take on a larger role, even with Miami adding Vandrevius Jacobs from South Carolina and Cam Vaughn from West Virginia.
Make no mistake-Moore will have to earn his spot in a room that’s suddenly a mix of seasoned transfers and young, high-upside talent. But he’s not just another name on the roster.
He was a blue-chip recruit for a reason, fielding offers from heavyweights like Florida, Florida State, and Ohio State before committing to the Hurricanes in October 2024. And he’s part of a promising young core that includes running back Girard Pringle Jr., safety Bryce Fitzgerald, and wideouts Daylyn Upshaw and Malachi Toney-the latter already turning heads as an 18-year-old phenom.
Head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff have made it clear: developing from within is just as important as winning the portal. Players like Rueben Bain Jr., Wesley Bissainthe, and Mark Fletcher Jr. have already become foundational pieces after arriving as high school recruits. Moore has a chance to follow that same path-to be more than just a contributor, but a culture-setter.
And while Miami came up short in the title game, their return to the national spotlight for the first time in over 20 years has reset expectations. This isn’t a one-off. The goal now is sustained success-ACC dominance, national relevance, and a roster built to compete deep into January.
Joshua Moore’s decision to stay could be a sign of exactly that. A talented local kid, choosing to stick with the program he committed to, ready to rise in a new-look receiver room. For Miami, it’s more than just roster continuity-it’s a statement.
The Hurricanes aren’t just building. They’re building the right way.