The Miami Hurricanes are gearing up for their biggest moment in recent program history - a trip to the College Football Playoff. The matchup?
A heavyweight first-round clash with a tough, battle-tested Texas A&M squad. It's the kind of game that demands full focus, but as is often the case in today’s college football landscape, the business side of the sport doesn’t hit pause just because the stakes are high.
While Miami prepares for its shot at a national title, the transfer portal is quietly reshaping the roster behind the scenes. Several Hurricanes players are expected to enter the portal, signaling some movement on the depth chart as the team looks ahead.
Ray Ray Joseph Looks for a Fresh Start
First up is junior wide receiver Nathaniel “Ray Ray” Joseph. A Miami native and fan favorite coming out of high school, Joseph is expected to enter the portal after three seasons with the program. He’s seen action in 26 games but never cracked the starting lineup, finishing with 14 receptions for 135 yards and no touchdowns over that span.
This season, Joseph appeared in just three games, catching two passes for 25 yards. With the emergence of freshman Malachi Toney and the steady presence of veterans CJ Daniels and Keelan Marion, Joseph found himself squeezed out of the rotation. He still has two years of eligibility remaining and could be a solid addition elsewhere - especially for a program looking for a speedy slot option with experience in a Power Five system.
Daylen Russell Joins the Exodus
On the defensive side, redshirt freshman Daylen Russell is also expected to enter the portal. This was his first season on the active roster, and while he didn’t see a ton of playing time, he did manage six total tackles (three solo, three assisted) and one tackle for loss. No sacks, but some flashes of potential.
Russell’s situation is a familiar one - talented player, but stuck behind a stacked depth chart. With stars like Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor anchoring the defensive line, the path to meaningful snaps was narrow. The Miami native still has three years of eligibility, and he’ll likely be looking for a program where he can get on the field and develop with more reps.
Ny Carr the Latest to Seek Opportunity Elsewhere
Finally, wide receiver Ny’quavion “Ny” Carr is also expected to hit the portal. A Georgia native, Carr played in six games over two seasons, recording four catches for 53 yards. Like Joseph, Carr found himself in a crowded receiver room and never quite carved out a consistent role.
With three years of eligibility left, Carr will have time to grow and find the right fit - potentially at a school where he can get more immediate playing time and showcase the talent that made him a sought-after recruit.
What It Means for Miami
None of these departures are shocking, but they do reflect the natural ebb and flow of a program on the rise. As Miami reloads and refines its roster heading into a high-stakes postseason run, players looking for new opportunities are simply part of the process. The Hurricanes are deep in several key spots, and when younger talent emerges, it often means others will look elsewhere to make their mark.
For now, the focus is on Texas A&M and the College Football Playoff. But as always in college football, the roster shuffle never truly stops.