The Miami Hurricanes made their run to the national title game on the back of a dominant performance in the trenches. Players like Rueben Bain Jr., Akheem Mesidor, and Francis Mauigoa were the tone-setters up front, driving the physical identity that powered Miami on both sides of the line. But with seven key starters from those units now gone - four from the offensive line and three from the defensive front - and several headed to the NFL, the Hurricanes had to act quickly to reload.
Enter the transfer portal.
In the span of just a few days, Miami has retooled its roster with five new additions - two offensive linemen and three defensive linemen - all with the potential to make an immediate impact.
Let’s start with the headliner: Damon Wilson II, a defensive end transferring in from Missouri. Wilson isn’t just a big name - he’s a big-time producer.
Last season, he logged 23 tackles and nine sacks, earning a second-team All-SEC nod. His 78.5 overall defensive grade and 80.9 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus back up the eye test.
And the 54 quarterback pressures? That tied him for 13th nationally - elite company.
Wilson’s arrival is critical for a defense that just lost Bain and Mesidor, a duo that combined for 22 sacks and 150 pressures last year. That’s a massive void to fill, but Wilson brings the kind of pass-rushing juice and experience that can help stabilize the edge. He’s entering his senior season and will be expected to lead from Day 1.
Off the field, Wilson is also in the middle of a legal battle with his former school, Georgia, which is seeking arbitration over a $390,000 claim related to his departure. Wilson has countersued, arguing the school is trying to penalize him for transferring. While that situation plays out in the background, Wilson’s focus in Coral Gables will be anchoring the Hurricanes’ defensive line.
Next up are two interior defensive linemen: Keona Davis from Nebraska and Jarquez Carter from Ohio State.
Davis is a plug-and-play option with solid experience. He started 12 of 13 games for the Cornhuskers last season, finishing with 32 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, he’s got the size and motor to eat up space inside. His PFF grades - 64.1 overall, 67.5 against the run, and 55.7 as a pass rusher - suggest there’s still room to grow, but the foundation is there.
Davis is entering his junior season and should be in the mix to replace David Blay II, who’s out of eligibility after one season at Miami.
Carter, meanwhile, is more of a developmental piece - but one with upside. He appeared in seven games for Ohio State last season, logging 51 snaps.
While he didn’t see a ton of action, Miami’s staff has had their eyes on him for a while. He was a target for the Hurricanes coming out of high school and has a connection to current Miami lineman Mykah Newton, his former teammate.
Carter could be a long-term investment who pays off down the road, especially with a full offseason in the program.
On the offensive side, Miami added two linemen who can compete for starting roles or provide much-needed depth, especially with Anez Cooper’s departure leaving a hole at guard.
Jamal Meriwether, a Georgia transfer, brings size and versatility. At 6-foot-7 and 305 pounds, he’s got the frame to play inside or outside, though nearly all of his 69 offensive snaps at Georgia came at guard.
A former high school tackle, Meriwether has the flexibility Miami likes in its linemen. He redshirted his first year in Athens and has appeared in 15 games over three seasons.
While he hasn’t had a large role yet, the potential is there - and with Miami’s need for depth and competition, Meriwether will have a chance to carve out a spot.
Johnathan Cline, the other offensive line addition, brings more game experience - albeit at the FCS level. After signing with UCF out of high school but never playing there, Cline transferred to East Tennessee State, where he appeared in 12 games. His path has been unconventional, but he’s a seasoned player who can provide depth and stability in the rotation.
All told, Miami’s transfer haul gives them a solid mix of proven production, developmental upside, and positional versatility. With major holes to fill on both lines, the Hurricanes didn’t just go for bodies - they went for fit, experience, and potential impact. And if this group can gel quickly, Miami might just have the foundation it needs to make another deep postseason run.