Ahmad Moten Sr. is coming back to Coral Gables for one more run, and for Miami, that’s massive news.
The 6-foot-3, 325-pound defensive tackle is expected to return for his final season with the Hurricanes, giving Miami a proven, battle-tested anchor in the middle of its defensive line. After a 2025 campaign where he helped lead one of the most disruptive fronts in college football, Moten’s return gives Mario Cristobal and his staff a key piece to build around as they prepare for another postseason push.
Moten’s 2025 numbers tell the story of a player who not only held his ground but consistently made plays behind the line of scrimmage. He racked up 9.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks while starting all 14 games, earning second-team All-ACC honors in the process.
But the impact goes beyond the stat sheet-Moten was credited with 27 quarterback pressures and played a career-high 471 snaps, all while posting a strong 77.6 defensive grade. That kind of production from the interior isn’t easy to find, and it’s even harder to replace.
In the College Football Playoff national title game, Moten showed up when it mattered most, registering five tackles and one tackle for loss against Indiana. It was a fitting cap to a season where he emerged as a force in the trenches, helping Miami reach the doorstep of a national championship.
Moten’s journey has been a steady climb. A member of Cristobal’s 2022 recruiting class out of Cardinal Gibbons in Fort Lauderdale, he’s developed into a reliable interior presence over the past few seasons. Now, with Miami facing some key departures on defense, his return couldn’t come at a better time.
The Hurricanes are losing two of their top pass rushers-Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor-to the NFL. Both were relentless off the edge in 2025.
Bain played in all 16 games and finished with 54 total tackles (30 solo), 15.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. He also added a forced fumble, a pass breakup, five QB hurries, and even an interception.
Mesidor was just as disruptive, tallying 63 total tackles (38 solo), 17.5 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks across 15 games. He forced four fumbles and notched six quarterback hurries.
That’s a lot of production walking out the door. And it’s not just the edge rushers-Miami is also losing key contributors in defensive back Keionte Scott and linebacker Wesley Bissainthe. So having someone like Moten return, someone who’s seen it all and can command attention in the middle, gives this defense a much-needed foundation.
The Hurricanes have already made moves to reinforce the unit, bringing in Ohio State transfer Jarquez Carter to help fill the gap. But make no mistake-Moten is the centerpiece. He’s the kind of player who frees up everyone around him, drawing double teams, collapsing pockets, and setting the tone up front.
With Moten back in the fold, Miami retains not just a top-tier defensive tackle but a leader who’s been through the grind and knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. If the Hurricanes are going to make another run at the title, they'll need that kind of presence in the trenches. And in Moten, they’ve got it.