Things are trending up in Coral Gables, and fast. The Miami Hurricanes are stacking wins off the field this offseason, and Monday brought more good news for Mario Cristobal’s defense. Veteran linebacker Chase Smith is expected to return for a sixth season, giving Miami another experienced presence at a position that’s suddenly full of question marks.
Let’s not sugarcoat it-linebacker was shaping up to be one of Miami’s biggest concerns heading into next season. The Hurricanes are losing Wesley Bissainthe, a multi-year starter who brought consistency and leadership to the middle of the defense.
They’re also parting ways with rotation piece Raul Aguirre, who entered the transfer portal. That’s a lot of snaps and experience walking out the door.
But now, with Mohamed Toure already announcing his return for an eighth season and Smith expected back as well, the linebacker room isn’t looking quite so thin. In fact, it’s starting to look like a strength-at least from a leadership and experience standpoint.
Smith’s return is particularly notable because of what he brings to the table when healthy. After battling injuries through much of 2022 and 2023, he finally put together a full season in 2025, appearing in all 16 games. His stat line-31 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and two passes defended-won’t jump off the page, but his impact goes beyond the numbers.
At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Smith combines size with surprising athleticism, a product of his days as a high school wide receiver. That background shows up in coverage, where he’s more comfortable than your average linebacker.
He’s physical enough to mix it up in the run game, but it’s his versatility that makes him such a valuable piece. He can start, play in sub-packages, contribute on special teams, and mentor the younger guys coming up behind him.
And that last part might be the most important. With so much youth expected to take on bigger roles in 2026, having a player like Smith-who’s seen it all, battled through adversity, and knows the system inside and out-can be like having another coach on the field. He sets the tone in the locker room, in the film room, and on Saturdays.
With all the buzz surrounding quarterback Darian Mensah and his expected commitment, it’s easy to overlook a move like this. But make no mistake-Smith’s return is a big deal for the Hurricanes. He gives them depth, leadership, and flexibility at a position that desperately needed it.
Cristobal and his staff are quietly building something here. And with veterans like Smith and Toure anchoring the second level of the defense, Miami just took another step toward being ready when the lights come on in the fall.