As Miami prepares to take on Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, the Hurricanes’ coaching staff is already juggling more than just game prep. The winter transfer portal officially opens on January 2 and runs through January 16, and Mario Cristobal’s crew knows the work never really stops. Regardless of how things shake out in Arlington, Miami is expected to be active in the portal - and a few key names are already surfacing as potential additions.
Here’s a look at three transfer targets that could make their way to Coral Gables in the coming days.
3. Omarion Miller, WR - Colorado
If the Hurricanes are serious about building around Malachi Toney at wide receiver, they’ll need to complement his skill set with a big-play threat on the outside. Enter Omarion Miller - a 6-foot-2, 210-pound wideout who checks just about every box for a vertical, boundary receiver.
Miller is fresh off a breakout season at Colorado, where he led the Buffaloes in receptions (45), receiving yards (808), and touchdowns (8). That’s an impressive stat line, but it’s the 18 yards per catch that really jumps off the page. He’s not just a possession guy - he’s a home-run hitter.
For Miami, adding a receiver with Miller’s ability to stretch the field would open up the offense in a big way. He’s a physical target who can win in contested catch situations, but he also has the speed to separate deep. If the Hurricanes want to make a splash early in the portal window, Miller is the kind of name that turns heads.
Keep an eye on other receivers too - Cam Coleman from Auburn is another intriguing name in the mix - but Miller fits a very specific need that Miami could prioritize.
2. Mateen Ibirogba, DT - Wake Forest
Defensive tackle might be one of the most pressing needs for Miami heading into 2026, especially with some key pieces on the line expected to move on after this season. That’s why Mateen Ibirogba is a name worth watching.
Ibirogba is the kind of disruptive interior lineman Miami loves to target - a quick first step, high motor, and the versatility to line up in multiple spots. At 6-foot-3 and 296 pounds, he played in 12 games for Wake Forest this past season, racking up 21 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. He also added three quarterback hurries and even blocked a kick.
What makes Ibirogba particularly intriguing is his athletic profile. He’s essentially an edge rusher who’s grown into an interior role without sacrificing the explosiveness that made him effective on the outside. That gives a defense flexibility - especially in third-down packages where quickness off the snap is everything.
Cristobal has made it clear that winning the line of scrimmage is non-negotiable. If Miami wants to reload up front, Ibirogba could be a key piece in that puzzle.
1. Sam Leavitt, QB - Arizona State
Quarterback movement in the portal always draws attention - and Sam Leavitt is already one of the most talked-about names heading into January. Miami is firmly in the mix for the Arizona State transfer, and the fit makes a lot of sense.
Leavitt appeared in seven games for the Sun Devils in 2025, throwing for 1,628 yards with 10 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He completed 60.7% of his passes (145-of-239) and added another 300 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. That dual-threat capability is something Miami has leaned into in recent years.
The Hurricanes have become a bit of a quarterback rehab destination lately, bringing in Cam Ward and Carson Beck in back-to-back years. Both brought experience and poise to the position, and Leavitt could be the next in line. He’s got the arm talent, mobility, and - perhaps most importantly - a year of experience in Power Five football under his belt.
Miami’s interest in Leavitt isn’t just about depth - it’s about upside. With the right system and development, he could push for a starting role and elevate the offense in 2026. And with both parties having tasted the College Football Playoff stage, there’s a shared sense of urgency and expectation that makes this pairing feel like more than just a rumor.
Final Thoughts
The Cotton Bowl may be front and center right now, but the Hurricanes are playing a second game behind the scenes - one that could shape the roster for next season and beyond. From a big-play receiver in Omarion Miller to a disruptive force in Mateen Ibirogba and a potential QB1 in Sam Leavitt, Miami is positioning itself to be aggressive in the portal once again.
Cristobal and his staff have shown they know how to work the transfer window. Now it’s about closing the deal.