The Miami Hurricanes came within one score of a national title, but in the weeks since that narrow loss, the program has seen a wave of departures through the transfer portal-19 players, to be exact. It’s a number that raises eyebrows, especially considering how close this team came to reaching the mountaintop.
Now, transfer movement is nothing new in today’s college football landscape. Players seek playing time, system fits, or just a fresh start.
But what stands out here isn’t just the volume of exits-it’s where some of these Hurricanes are landing. Several key players have left a College Football Playoff contender only to step into programs that, on paper, don’t match Miami’s current trajectory.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the more notable moves.
Joshisa Trader: From CFP Spotlight to Raleigh
Joshisa Trader was one of the more electric young talents on Miami’s roster. In his sophomore campaign, he posted 178 receiving yards and a touchdown on just 13 catches-modest numbers, but the flashes were there, especially in the National Championship loss to SMU where he found the end zone.
So when Trader entered the portal, it was expected he’d draw plenty of attention. The surprise came when he committed to NC State.
The Wolfpack wrapped up the 2025 season with an 8-5 record, finishing seventh in the ACC. It’s a respectable program, but it’s a step down from a team that nearly won it all.
For Trader, the move could be about opportunity-perhaps a bigger role in the offense or a system that better suits his game. But from a competitive standpoint, he’s leaving the national spotlight for a team still trying to find its footing in the conference.
Nino Francavilla: From Depth Piece to Starter
Offensive lineman Nino Francavilla didn’t see much of the field in 2025, appearing in just four games as a sophomore. That’s not unusual on a line stacked with veteran talent. But instead of waiting his turn or seeking another Power Five opportunity, Francavilla opted to transfer to Buffalo.
The Bulls finished 5-7 last season and landed sixth in the MAC. It’s a program that’s had its moments, but it’s far removed from the College Football Playoff picture.
That said, Francavilla will almost certainly step into a starting role, and that kind of experience can be invaluable for a young lineman. Still, it’s a big leap-from the trenches of a national title contender to a Group of Five rebuild.
Ny Carr: A New Start at Wake
Another wide receiver on the move is Ny Carr, who’s headed to Wake Forest. Carr had just three catches for 45 yards in 2025, but the potential was there. He’s a smooth route runner with good hands, and in a crowded Miami receiver room, it was tough to break through.
Wake Forest is coming off a 9-4 season-solid, but not exactly a powerhouse. And while the Deacons have had their share of success in recent years, they’re still viewed as a middle-tier ACC team.
Carr will get a chance to prove himself early, though. Wake opens conference play against Miami on September 18, giving Carr a shot at a little redemption against his former squad.
What It All Means for Miami
Losing 19 players is never ideal, especially after a championship-caliber season. But not all departures are created equal.
Some players leave for more playing time, others for a better fit. And in a few cases here, the moves feel more like lateral steps-or even steps down-when viewed through the lens of program prestige and recent success.
For Miami, the key will be how they reload. The Hurricanes have momentum, a strong recruiting pipeline, and a coaching staff that’s shown it can develop talent.
In today’s era of college football, roster turnover is part of the game. But if Miami wants to stay in the national conversation, they’ll need to make sure the players coming in are ready to fill the void left by those heading out.
The portal giveth, and it taketh away. For the Hurricanes, the next few months will be about making sure it does more of the former.