As the transfer portal window opens on January 2, the Miami Hurricanes find themselves in a unique position: juggling postseason aspirations with the urgent task of shaping their 2026 roster. Depending on how things unfold in Wednesday night’s Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Ohio State, Miami could be spending the first week of January preparing for a semifinal matchup and diving headfirst into portal season.
Either way, it’s going to be a critical stretch for Mario Cristobal and his staff. After back-to-back successful years building through the portal, the ‘Canes are once again looking to reload-not just with talent, but with experience and leadership. The blueprint is clear: identify key positions of need, target proven players, and complement a strong high school recruiting class with plug-and-play veterans.
Here’s where Miami is expected to focus its energy in the portal:
1. Starting Quarterback: Proven Leaders Only
Quarterback is the crown jewel of any transfer class, and Miami knows that better than most. The Hurricanes have hit on back-to-back transfer signal-callers, bringing in experienced leaders like Cam Ward and Carson Beck, both of whom arrived with multiple seasons of starting experience and made an immediate impact-not just on the field, but in the locker room.
That formula isn’t changing.
Sam Leavitt is a name to watch. He’s started the past two seasons at Arizona State and brings playoff experience to the table-something Miami values as it eyes deeper postseason runs. Leavitt has the tools, the poise, and the résumé to step in and lead from day one.
Also in the mix is Rocco Becht, a three-year starter at Iowa State. He may not have the national buzz of some other names, but his football IQ and steady hand could be an ideal fit for Miami’s offensive system.
This isn’t about flash-it’s about fit and leadership. And Becht checks a lot of boxes.
2. Trench Depth: Cristobal’s Calling Card
If there’s one thing Mario Cristobal has emphasized since day one, it’s building from the inside out. That philosophy isn’t changing either.
Miami is expected to lose at least three starters from its defensive line rotation, and the interior offensive line-particularly at center and guard-needs reinforcements. The Hurricanes aren’t just looking for depth here; they’re looking for experience and physicality.
Expect the staff to be aggressive in pursuing a high-impact edge rusher if the right opportunity arises. Miami wants someone who can collapse the pocket, disrupt plays, and tilt the field. On the offensive side, veteran linemen who can anchor the middle and bring toughness to the run game will be a top priority.
3. Outside Wide Receiver: Big-Play Threat Needed
There’s no shortage of young talent in Miami’s wide receiver room, but the Hurricanes are still in the market for a true outside threat-someone who can stretch the field, win contested catches, and flip the momentum with one play.
Enter Cam Coleman, who recently hit the portal and instantly became one of the most coveted receivers available. He’s the kind of big-bodied, explosive target that can take an offense from good to great.
Another name to watch is Omarion Miller, who plans to leave Colorado. He’s already shown flashes of game-breaking ability, and his blend of size, speed, and route-running makes him a natural fit for what Miami wants on the perimeter.
4. Starting Linebacker: Experience Wanted
Both of Miami’s starting linebackers are moving on, which leaves a major hole in the middle of the defense. While there’s optimism around younger players like redshirt freshman Kellen Wiley, the Hurricanes know they’ll need at least one veteran to step in and stabilize the unit.
This isn’t just about athleticism-it’s about communication, leadership, and the ability to diagnose plays quickly. Miami needs someone who can be the quarterback of the defense, someone who’s seen it all and can help bring the younger guys along.
5. Secondary Depth: Replacing Leadership
The Hurricanes have recruited well in the secondary, but replacing players like Keionte Scott and Jakobe Thomas is no small task. Those two brought not only production but a level of maturity and leadership that helped anchor the back end of the defense.
Miami will be in the market for at least one experienced defensive back-ideally someone who can play multiple positions and step into a leadership role right away. One name to keep an eye on is Sharif Denson, who could potentially make the move from Gainesville to Coral Gables. He’s versatile, battle-tested, and would bring immediate value to a young DB room.
Final Thoughts
This transfer cycle isn’t just about filling holes-it’s about maintaining momentum. Miami has built a strong foundation through high school recruiting and smart portal additions, and now it’s time to double down.
With a potential semifinal on the horizon and a roster in transition, the next few weeks will be a balancing act for Cristobal and his staff. But if the Hurricanes can land the right pieces-at quarterback, in the trenches, and across the defense-they’ll be setting themselves up not just for 2026, but for sustained success in the playoff era.