Jojo Trader Enters Transfer Portal, Eyes Bigger Role Beyond Miami
Joshisa "Jojo" Trader came into Miami as one of the most electric wide receiver prospects in the country. A four-star recruit out of Chaminade-Madonna in Hollywood, Florida, Trader had the kind of high school résumé that turns heads-76 catches, 1,374 yards, and 18 touchdowns in just 20 games.
The Hurricanes beat out heavyweights like Alabama, Florida, Florida State, and Oregon to land him back in July 2023. But after two seasons in Coral Gables, Trader is on the move, entering the transfer portal in search of a fresh start and, more importantly, a bigger role.
Trader’s time in Miami never quite took off the way many expected. Over 18 games and four starts, he totaled 19 receptions for 269 yards and two touchdowns.
His best performance came in a tough overtime loss to SMU, where he hauled in five catches for 81 yards and a score-flashing the playmaking ability that made him such a coveted recruit. But injuries and a crowded receiver room made it tough for Trader to find consistent snaps.
That receiver room was no joke. CJ Daniels, Keelan Marion, and Malachi Toney led the way this past season, and with Daniels and Marion expected to move on-likely to the NFL-the Hurricanes are already reloading. Cam Vaughn and Vandrevius Jacobs have been brought in via the portal to help fill those shoes, and the early buzz around both players suggests they’ll be ready to contribute right away.
With that kind of competition and limited opportunities, it makes sense that Trader is looking elsewhere. The portal gives players a chance to reset, and for someone like Trader-still just 20 years old with flashes of big-play ability-it’s about finding a system where he can be featured, not just fit in.
Meanwhile, Miami isn’t standing still. Even as Trader exits, the Hurricanes are reportedly in the mix for another wideout: Cooper Barkate, who just entered the portal from Duke.
Barkate had a breakout year, posting 72 catches for 1,106 yards and seven touchdowns across 14 games, helping the Blue Devils to an ACC title and earning Second-Team All-ACC honors. If Miami lands him, it would be another big swing in a wide receiver overhaul that’s already well underway.
The Hurricanes are also riding momentum elsewhere. Despite falling short of a national title, Mario Cristobal has built a foundation that’s starting to take shape.
Young stars like Malachi Toney and running back Mark Fletcher Jr. are part of a new wave that’s expected to carry the torch. The culture is shifting, and the standard is rising.
Miami did manage to retain running back Girard Pringle Jr., who briefly entered the portal before deciding to stay. That’s no small feat in today’s college football climate, where player movement is constant and roles are everything.
As for Trader, his next stop will be one to watch. He’s got the pedigree, the talent, and now the motivation. Sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes to unlock a player’s full potential.
The extended transfer portal window closes this Saturday, so the clock is ticking-for Trader, for Miami, and for programs across the country still looking to fine-tune their rosters heading into spring.