As the Miami Hurricanes gear up for their high-stakes Cotton Bowl quarterfinal clash with the Ohio State Buckeyes, the work behind the scenes is just as intense as what’s happening on the field. While the focus is squarely on the College Football Playoff for now, Miami’s staff is already looking ahead - and the transfer portal, which opens January 4th, is about to become very busy.
The Hurricanes have made a name for themselves in the portal in recent years, adding serious firepower through key acquisitions like Carson Beck, Keionte Scott, Alex Bauman, Jakobe Thomas, Keelan Marion, and CJ Daniels. That track record has made Coral Gables a destination for players looking to elevate their game - and potentially their NFL draft stock - under the bright lights of a resurgent program.
But as new talent eyes Miami, the Canes are also preparing to say goodbye to two defensive cornerstones. Edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor are both heading to the NFL Draft, and not quietly.
The duo combined for 83 tackles and 11.5 sacks during the regular season, and their presence off the edge has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks all year long. Both are expected to be high first-round picks, and their departure leaves big shoes to fill on a Miami defense that’s been among the most disruptive in the country.
Enter Jayden Woods.
The Florida Gators freshman edge rusher is expected to enter the transfer portal, and he’s already drawing serious interest. Woods played in all 12 games this season and made his presence felt - 28 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and even an interception against Ole Miss. That kind of production, especially from a 19-year-old, earned him freshman All-SEC honors and put him on the radar of programs looking to reload quickly.
Miami was already familiar with Woods before he chose Gainesville. Coming out of Mill Valley High School in Kansas, he was a hot commodity - 212 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, and 20.5 sacks over three seasons made him one of the top defensive prospects in the country. Miami was in the mix then, and they’re certainly paying attention now.
Woods committed to Florida in late November of 2024, but the Gators’ 4-8 season - including a 2-6 mark in SEC play - didn’t exactly live up to expectations. With the program in flux, several players, including quarterback DJ Lagway and wide receiver Eugene Wilson III, are reportedly exploring their options. Woods could be the next big name to move on.
The Hurricanes got a firsthand look at what Woods can do when they faced the Gators on September 20th. He posted three tackles, including a sack, in that game - a performance that surely stuck with Miami’s coaching staff. Now, with Bain Jr. and Mesidor moving on, there’s a clear opportunity for a young edge rusher to step in and make an immediate impact.
And let’s not overlook one major draw: Jason Taylor. The Hall of Famer and current defensive line coach has already helped mold some of the best pass-rushers in the country.
His presence alone makes Miami an attractive landing spot for any defensive lineman with NFL aspirations. For a player like Woods, who’s already shown high-level flashes, that kind of mentorship could be a game-changer.
Miami’s recent success in the portal, their rise into the College Football Playoff picture, and the chance to play under a coach like Taylor all make for a compelling pitch. Whether Woods ultimately chooses the Hurricanes or not, one thing is clear - Miami isn’t just building for this postseason run. They’re building something sustainable, and the next wave of talent is already lining up at the door.
Once the portal opens after New Year’s, expect things to move quickly. The Hurricanes are ready.