The transfer portal doesn’t wait for bowl season - and Miami’s roster is already shifting as the Hurricanes gear up for their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance against Texas A&M on Dec. 20. While the focus in Coral Gables is squarely on making a statement in the postseason, the 2026 roster is already beginning to take shape - and that means some familiar names are on the move.
Under Mario Cristobal, Miami has leaned heavily on the portal to retool and reload. Just look at recent additions like Cam Ward, Carson Beck, Keionte Scott, Jakobe Thomas, CJ Daniels, and Keelan Marion - all of whom made meaningful contributions after transferring in. That strategy has played a big role in Miami’s resurgence, and there’s no reason to think it’ll change heading into 2026.
For now, though, the Hurricanes haven’t officially added anyone from the portal this cycle. The departures, however, have started to roll in.
WR Ray Ray Joseph
Nathaniel “Ray Ray” Joseph was the first domino to fall. A former four-star recruit and electric slot receiver out of Miami Edison, Joseph entered the portal after three seasons in which he never quite broke through in a deep wide receiver room. He finished the 2025 campaign with just two catches for 25 yards, and leaves Miami with 14 receptions for 134 yards in total.
Joseph came in with big expectations and plenty of local buzz, but consistent playing time proved elusive. With Miami’s receiver corps stacked with talent - both homegrown and transfer - Joseph’s path to a bigger role never materialized. A fresh start could give him the opportunity to reset and find the right fit.
DL Daylen Russell
Another local product, defensive lineman Daylen Russell, is also headed to the portal. The former Columbus High standout was a depth piece on Miami’s defensive front over the past two seasons, backing up a group that’s been one of the team’s strengths.
Russell arrived with a reputation as a high-motor, high-production player - he racked up 17 sacks and 157 tackles during his high school career. While his role at Miami was more developmental, he showed flashes of potential and could be an intriguing addition for a program looking to bolster its defensive line rotation.
WR Ny Carr
Ny Carr is reportedly planning to enter the portal after a quiet first season in Coral Gables. The Georgia native came in with a strong résumé - over 3,000 receiving yards and 44 touchdowns at Colquitt County - and was seen as a potential playmaker in the Hurricanes’ offense.
But in 2025, Carr saw limited action, finishing with just four catches for 53 yards. With Miami’s offense humming and the receiver rotation already crowded, Carr never quite carved out a consistent role. He’ll now explore his options elsewhere, likely seeking a system where he can get on the field and showcase the skills that made him a four-star recruit.
S Markeith Williams
Technically, safety Markeith Williams kicked off Miami’s 2026 portal cycle back in September. The former four-star defensive back from Orlando Evans High School played in 25 games over three seasons, totaling 31 tackles.
Williams’ departure came under different circumstances - he was dismissed from the program after multiple violations of team rules. It marked a disappointing end to what had been a promising start, as Williams had flashed versatility and range in the secondary. Now, he’ll look to reset his career elsewhere.
With no incoming transfers locked in yet, Miami’s portal activity is still in its early stages. But as the Hurricanes continue their march through December and into the CFP spotlight, expect Cristobal and his staff to stay aggressive - both in replacing outgoing talent and targeting new impact players. The portal has been a key part of Miami’s rise, and it’ll continue to shape the program’s future beyond the playoff.