The transfer window for college football players has officially closed for the 2026 season, marking a pivotal moment for teams and players alike. With the window shut, players, including graduate transfers, are now locked in unless their head coach decides to move to another school. Those still in the portal, however, can complete their transfers.
Focusing on the Miami Hurricanes, there's not much left to address via the transfer portal after securing a strong lineup of wide receivers and standout quarterback Darian Mensah for the 2026 season. The main areas needing reinforcement are the offensive line depth and an experienced starting tight end.
Interestingly, the Hurricanes were less active in the portal this year compared to previous seasons. After bringing in over a dozen transfers last year, Miami has added only nine new faces to the two-deep roster, along with two kickers.
Under the leadership of Mario Cristobal, Miami has consistently signed top-tier classes, ranking 8th, 14th, and 6th nationally over the past three off-seasons. This influx of talent has created a competitive environment in Coral Gables, encouraging players to elevate their game rather than seek opportunities elsewhere.
The offensive line features veterans like Samson Okunlola, Matthew McCoy, and Ryan Rodriguez. In the past, Miami has brought in JUCO transfer Markel Bell to challenge Okunlola, as well as transfer centers like Matt Lee and Zach Carpenter to compete with Rodriguez for the starting center role.
This January, offensive line coach Alex Mirabal added Jamal Meriweather from UGA, eyeing him for a guard or potentially tackle position. However, there's still a need for depth at tackle and center. Miami is likely to start the towering Jackson Cantwell at right tackle, emphasizing the necessity for backups in key positions.
The Hurricanes also signed four-star offensive line prospects Ben Congdon and Joel Ervin, who could serve as depth pieces. But it's unlikely we'll see multiple true freshmen starting on an offensive line tasked with protecting Mensah and creating running lanes for Mark Fletcher.
There's also untapped potential among the roster's younger players, such as Seuseu Alofaituli, Max Buchanan, and Juan Minaya, who could make an impact.
While the quality in the transfer portal is dwindling, a few intriguing prospects remain. Let's dive into a few names that could bolster Miami's offensive line.
Portal Prospects
First up is Jordan Spasojevic-Moko, the former Cal starting left guard. This 6-foot-5, 335-pound Australian has quite the journey, having played at Snow CC, Texas A&M, Charlotte, and Cal. With an extra year of eligibility, thanks to a new JUCO ruling, Spasojevic-Moko brings valuable experience that could benefit Cantwell's development.
Next, there's David Ndukwe, a former Houston OT who was sidelined in 2025 due to injury. Back in 2024, he boasted an impressive 81.8 pass blocking grade from PFF, allowing just one sack on 266 snaps. Ndukwe has also spent time at Western Kentucky, adding to his depth of experience.
Lastly, Broderick Shull, a former Auburn Tiger, stands out as a 6-foot-5, 327-pound talent from Oklahoma. As a three-star transfer prospect, Shull is the highest-rated transfer left on the board. While Spasojevic-Moko and Ndukwe would be short-term additions, Shull, who redshirted in 2025, offers more longevity.
The Outlook
Adding experienced players like Spasojevic-Moko or a healthy Ndukwe could challenge the likes of Okunlola, McCoy, and Rodriguez. While they may not immediately start, their presence would provide much-needed depth and mentorship.
Spasojevic-Moko could slot in at left guard, freeing Okunlola to concentrate on left tackle, while McCoy and Meriweather vie for the right guard spot. Ndukwe’s experience would be invaluable for Cantwell as he adapts to the speed and intensity of college football, facing dynamic ends like Armondo Blount and Marquise Lightfoot.
Cantwell getting reps against seasoned players like Hayden Lowe would be a trial by fire, but it's these challenges that forge great players. With the right support and mentorship, Miami's offensive line could become a formidable force this season.