The spring window of the college football transfer portal is officially open, and the Miami Hurricanes are expected to be active participants. Coming off a 7-6 season in Mario Cristobal’s second year at the helm, there’s cautious optimism in Coral Gables that 2025 could be the breakthrough year — but it’s going to take some key additions and continued development. Miami has made strides in recruiting and has the makings of a strong foundation, but if spring football revealed anything, it’s that this roster is still a few pieces away from being ready to challenge for an ACC title.
The Hurricanes’ top priority in the portal has to be the defensive line. Miami has recruited the position well, but there are questions about depth, especially on the interior. Leonard Taylor is off to the NFL, and while players like Ahmad Moten and Thomas Gore have shown flashes, they haven’t consistently dominated. The team has high hopes for freshman Armondo Blount, who enrolled early and had some impressive moments this spring, but banking on a true freshman to carry a major load is a gamble, especially in the ACC. There’s a need for a veteran defensive tackle who can plug gaps and be disruptive from day one. Defensive end is in a bit better shape, but even there, adding one more rotational pass rusher with experience could help ease pressure off younger players like Marquise Lightfoot.
Linebacker is another position where Miami may look to dip into the portal. Francisco Mauigoa is locked in as the leader of the group and had an excellent spring. He brings physicality, leadership, and sideline-to-sideline speed. Behind him, however, things are far less clear. Wesley Bissainthe is talented, but he missed portions of spring camp and has struggled with consistency. True freshman Adarius Hayes turned heads with his athleticism, and converted safety Bobby Washington made progress, but this is another group that could benefit from experience. Miami has been burned in recent years by relying too heavily on upside instead of production at linebacker, and finding a proven veteran to solidify the rotation would be a smart move.
In the secondary, the cornerback room is talented but very young. Damari Brown and Jaden Davis are back, and freshman standout Ellis Robinson IV looks every bit as good as advertised. Robinson had one of the most consistent springs of any defensive player and appears to be on the fast track to starting. Still, with Daryl Porter Jr. gone and several unproven names in the mix, there’s room to add a corner with starting experience — especially one with size and SEC-level reps. At safety, the Hurricanes feel good about the top-line talent. James Williams made the expected jump and looked much more comfortable in the new scheme, while Kamren Kinchens, when healthy, remains one of the best safeties in college football. Markeith Williams and Jaden Harris showed they can be reliable backups, but if injuries hit again like they did last year, depth could quickly become an issue. Don’t be surprised if Miami targets a versatile defensive back who can play both safety and nickel.
Offensively, the biggest story coming out of spring was the quarterback position. With Emory Williams sidelined as he recovers from an elbow injury, all eyes were on Washington State transfer Cam Ward, and he did not disappoint. Ward looked in command throughout spring practices and was surgical in the spring game. His deep ball has improved, he’s reading defenses better, and his mobility adds an extra layer that Miami hasn’t had at quarterback in a while. Assuming he stays healthy, Ward gives the Canes a legitimate playmaker behind center and someone capable of elevating the offense. Williams should be fully healthy by fall camp and will likely resume the QB2 role, while freshmen Reese Poffenbarger and Luke Nickel continue to develop.
The running back room is arguably the deepest and most talented group on the roster. Mark Fletcher Jr. didn’t participate in spring due to injury, but he’s expected to be ready for fall. When healthy, he’s a load to bring down and projects as a workhorse. Henry Parrish Jr. had a solid spring and continues to be a reliable all-purpose back. Chris Johnson and Ajay Allen both flashed explosiveness, and freshman Jordan Lyle has been the surprise of the spring. The former four-star recruit is already turning heads with his vision and burst. With this much depth, it’s unlikely Miami looks to the portal here unless someone unexpectedly transfers out.
Wide receiver is another group that made big strides during spring ball, thanks in large part to the development of Jacolby George and Isaiah Horton. George looks like a true WR1 after a productive spring and has built strong chemistry with Ward. Horton, a former four-star, has finally started to show the consistency coaches have been waiting for. Freshman Ny Carr, an early enrollee, had an impressive spring game and is already pushing for a rotation spot. Xavier Restrepo remains one of the most dependable targets on the team and serves as the glue in the receiver room. Still, this is a position where you can never have too many weapons, and Miami would benefit from adding a veteran outside receiver with size. Someone who can be a jump-ball threat in the red zone and help stretch the field vertically would round out the group nicely.
Tight end remains a bit of a question mark. Elijah Arroyo missed most of spring due to injury, and though he has starting-level talent, durability is becoming a concern. Jaleel Skinner has all the tools but has struggled with drops and blocking consistency. Freshmen Elija Lofton and Riley Williams both showed potential this spring and could carve out roles, especially in two-tight end sets. However, if Arroyo’s recovery timeline extends into the fall, the staff may look to bring in a veteran tight end to stabilize the room.
On the offensive line, Miami continues to build an identity based on size and physicality. Left tackle Francis Mauigoa looks like a future first-round pick and had a dominant spring. At the other tackle spot, Alabama transfer JC Latham gives Miami a massive presence with big-game experience. The interior line is anchored by Anez Cooper and Javion Cohen, both of whom were steady throughout spring. The center spot remains unsettled, with Ryan Rodriguez and freshman Deryc Plazz splitting reps, though neither fully seized control. Expect that battle to continue into fall camp. Miami may consider adding a pure center via the portal — someone who has starting experience and can make calls at the line with confidence. Overall, though, this offensive line is one of the best in the ACC on paper and could be among the best in the country if it stays healthy.
Special teams are rarely the focus of transfer portal talk, but it’s worth noting that kicker Andres Borregales returns and remains one of the most consistent players on the team. Punter Dylan Joyce has improved his hang time and placement, and the return game got a boost from Ny Carr and Ray Ray Joseph. That said, if the staff finds an elite return specialist or a punter with a bigger leg, they could explore that option.
Overall, Miami is in a much stronger position post-spring than it was a year ago, but this roster is not a finished product. Cristobal and his staff know they have a narrow window to make a run, and they’re expected to be aggressive in the portal to plug remaining holes. Defensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback, and wide receiver stand out as the top priorities, while tight end and center could also warrant a look depending on how internal battles shake out over the summer.
The spring window provides a second chance to retool the roster, and for Miami, it’s a chance to go from good to potentially great. With a manageable early schedule and a quarterback capable of winning games with his arm and legs, the Hurricanes are positioned to take a step forward in 2025. But how far they go may ultimately depend on what happens over the next few weeks in the portal — and whether Miami can land the final pieces to complete the puzzle.