The Miami Hurricanes are almost at the starting line for the 2026 season, but their first official injury report already brought a notable wrinkle.
Ahead of Miami’s opener against Stanford, the ACC-mandated availability report lists two Hurricanes as out: defensive back Ja'Boree Antoine and tight end Luka Gilbert.
Gilbert’s status is no surprise. Head coach Mario Cristobal had already said during fall camp that the tight end would miss the season because of an injury.
Antoine, though, stands out as the unexpected name. The sophomore was in line for a bigger role after getting his first real action with the team in the College Football Playoff, including the Fiesta Bowl against Ole Miss and the National Championship game against Indiana.
Cristobal said Monday he felt good about where the team stood physically heading into the opener.
"I think fairly well," Cristobal said about the health of the team during Monday's press conference. "For us, I feel like for all is extremely physical and challenging, or whatnot.
But responsible, right? I don't think it's walking the line.
I think it's a very clear line. You have to get both done, both accomplished.
Feel in a good spot."
Both Antoine and Gilbert are sophomores, and both were expected to have major roles this season. For now, they’ll be sidelined.
Stanford’s report is much longer, with 15 players listed across the out, questionable and probable categories.
The Cardinal’s out group includes linebacker Dylan Stephenson; wide receivers Carter Shaw and Daylen Sharper; defensive backs Jason Hil Jr, Breylan Thompson, Jack Duckworth, Zaiden McDonald and Aaron Morris; offensive linemen Aidan Kilstrom, Nathan Mejia and Nick Fattig; defensive linemen Jacobi Murray and Brendan Delaney; tight end Reiman Zebert; and kicker London Bironas.
Stanford also has five players listed as questionable: wide receivers Caden High and Nico Brown, linebacker Ernest Cooper, and offensive linemen Simione Pale and Niki Prongos.
The probable group for the Cardinal features safety Jay Green, cornerbacks Chris Garland and Jaivon Randall, and wide receiver Jacob Butler.
Miami and Stanford are set for a 9:00 p.m. ET kickoff on ESPN on Sept. 4.
In Other News...
Mario Cristobal Could Finally Push Back If Jimbo Fisher Returns
Jimbo Fishers name is back in the coaching conversation after the former Texas A&M and Florida State head coach said he is open to returning to the sideline, and he has already shown interest in the Auburn opening. For Miami, the storyline matters because Fisher has long been a familiar figure in South Florida recruiting circles, where any experienced coach with SEC ties can still complicate the Hurricanes efforts to keep local talent at home under Mario Cristobal.
Fisher has also been mentioned as a possible fit at places like North Carolina, Maryland and UCF, but for now he remains in the analyst role with no new job lined up. Even so, the possibility of him re-entering the market adds another layer to a recruiting battleground Cristobal has been working to control, especially if Fisher lands somewhere that gives him a direct path back into the region Miami cares about most. [Read more 🡒]
Miami Tight End Situation Just Took Another Turn Before The Opener
With Miamis opener approaching, Alex Bauman has become the latest player to push the boundaries of college football eligibility. The Hurricanes tight end is filing for a temporary restraining order against the NCAA as he looks to pursue a fifth season, arguing for that extra year through an age-based eligibility theory after spending three seasons at Tulane and one in Miami.
Bauman is also planning to enter the transfer portal, adding another layer to a situation that could ripple beyond one roster spot. For Miami, it is another reminder that the tight end room is still unsettled in the final stretch before the season begins, and the legal fight around Baumans future is now part of the backdrop. [Read more 🡒]
Miami Could Suddenly Have A Familiar Tight End Decision To Make
Former Miami tight end Alex Bauman is back in the spotlight after filing for a temporary restraining order in an effort to enter the transfer portal and pursue another season of college football eligibility. Bauman spent one year with the Hurricanes after transferring from Tulane, and his presence gave Miami a useful combination of blocking toughness and receiving ability at a position that often asks for both.
The timing is what makes this situation feel especially familiar and potentially complicated for Miami. The Hurricanes are past the drop/add deadline, which makes an immediate return to the roster unlikely even if the legal side of Baumans request moves forward, leaving the program to monitor a decision that could affect its tight end depth in the weeks ahead. [Read more 🡒]