Raul Aguirre Jr. Transfers from Miami to ACC Rival NC State
When a veteran defender leaves your program, it stings. When he stays in-conference and suits up for a rival?
That’s the kind of move that makes coaches and fans alike do a double take. That’s the situation Miami finds itself in this offseason, as linebacker Raul Aguirre Jr. has officially transferred to NC State.
The 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker entered the portal after the 2025 season and has now landed with the Wolfpack - a move that not only keeps him in the ACC but also reunites him with his brother, who’s set to be on NC State’s roster next season. Family ties often play a role in these decisions, and this one’s no exception.
Aguirre was a solid contributor for Miami this past season, finishing with 43 total tackles and a pass breakup. He wasn’t necessarily the centerpiece of the Hurricanes’ defense, but he brought steady production and physicality when called upon. Across his Miami career, he totaled 77 tackles, one sack, and one pass deflection - numbers that reflect a player who consistently did his job, even if he wasn’t always in the spotlight.
The expectation heading into 2026 was that Aguirre would compete for a larger role in defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman’s system. But with a crowded linebacker room and no guaranteed path to an every-down role, Aguirre opted to seek out a fresh start - and potentially more playing time - in Raleigh.
His departure is a notable loss for Miami, not just because of what he brought on the field, but because of the experience he carried into the locker room. Aguirre signed with the Hurricanes in 2023 as a four-star prospect and had been part of the program’s defensive depth chart for the past three seasons.
While Miami will have to adjust without him, they did get some good news at the position: Mohamed Toure is returning for what will be his eighth - yes, eighth - year of college football. Toure has battled through multiple serious knee injuries, but he’s back for one final run and could be a key veteran presence for Mario Cristobal’s defense in 2026.
So while Aguirre looks to make an impact in a new uniform, Miami is banking on Toure’s leadership and resilience to help anchor the linebacker corps. The ACC chessboard continues to shift, and Aguirre’s move is just the latest piece to fall into place.