As Miami gears up for its College Football Playoff run, the program’s eyes are already locked on 2026-and that means the winter transfer portal window, which opens January 2 and runs through January 16. While the postseason spotlight is bright, the real long-term work is already underway behind the scenes.
One name that should be firmly on Miami’s radar? Byrum Brown.
The USF quarterback is coming off a breakout 2025 campaign that turned heads across the country. Brown threw for 3,158 yards with 28 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.
But what really separates him from the pack is his ability to impact the game with his legs-he added 1,008 rushing yards, joining the rare 3,000/1,000 club in a single season. That kind of dual-threat production is the stuff that changes an offense overnight.
Why Brown Over Lagway?
Naturally, Miami fans are going to ask about DJ Lagway, the highly touted Florida QB who’s also hitting the portal. He’s a former five-star recruit with a big arm and big-time upside. But here’s the thing-he’s still more projection than production at this point.
Lagway threw for 2,264 yards in 2025, with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also struggled with consistency, to the point where he was benched during the season. Add in an NIL valuation reportedly around $2 million, and that’s a steep price tag for a player who hasn’t quite put it all together yet.
Brown, on the other hand, is proven. He’s coming off a monster year, he’s already in the state of Florida, and he fits the mold of what Miami has prioritized in recent years: experienced, ready-to-play quarterbacks who can elevate the offense from Day 1.
Miami’s Track Record with Transfer QBs
This isn’t a new strategy for the Hurricanes. In 2024, they brought in Cam Ward, who thrived under offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and wound up being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Then came Carson Beck, the former Georgia starter, who took the reins in 2025 and continued that trend of immediate-impact QB play.
Brown fits right into that blueprint. He’s not just a plug-and-play guy-he adds a new dimension to the offense with his mobility.
He’s already shown he can handle a heavy workload through the air and on the ground. In 2023, he threw for 3,292 yards, led USF in rushing with 809 yards, and accounted for 37 total touchdowns.
That’s not just production-that’s versatility and leadership rolled into one.
The One Red Flag: Durability
If there’s a concern, it’s Brown’s injury history. His 2024 season was cut short by a lower-leg injury suffered against Tulane, and he missed most of the year because of it.
But he bounced back in a big way this past season, which helped quiet those durability questions. Still, it’s something that teams will evaluate closely as they weigh the risk-reward equation.
Competition and Cost
Make no mistake-landing Brown won’t be easy. He’s one of the top quarterbacks in the portal, and plenty of programs are lining up. Auburn is already being floated as a serious contender, especially with former USF head coach Alex Golesh now at the helm there.
Then there’s the NIL factor. On3 puts Brown’s valuation at $1.6 million, and it’s safe to assume multiple schools will come to the table with strong offers. Miami has the financial resources to compete, but the question isn’t whether they can spend-it’s whether they will spend that kind of money on Brown.
The Fit is Clear
If Miami’s internal evaluation says it needs a veteran quarterback to lead the offense in 2026, Byrum Brown fits the bill. He’s experienced, productive, and brings a dynamic element that can stretch defenses in ways the Hurricanes haven’t fully tapped into yet.
This would be a move that stays true to Miami’s recent approach-targeting high-upside, proven quarterbacks through the portal who can step in and deliver right away. Brown’s track record suggests he’s ready for that kind of stage.
Now it’s just a matter of whether Miami makes the call.