Where Canes need help in portal and where every position stands coming out of spring
Where could the Miami Hurricanes go portal shopping when the second “legal” 10-day window for players to depart begins on Wednesday?
Examining by position:
▪ Quarterback: This will come down to whether Emory Williams decides to bolt instead of serving as Carson Beck’s backup.
Canesport reported Sunday that Williams hired a new NIL agent and that several schools, including one in the Southeastern Conference, have expressed interest through intermediaries. Williams is open to considering other options.
Freshman Luke Nickel has been impressive and would be the likely No. 2 if Williams leaves. But from a depth standpoint, UM could not, in good conscience, go into next season with only Beck, Nickel and Judd Anderson (who didn’t look good in the spring game) on scholarship. A fourth QB would need to be added in the portal.
Though Nickel threw several interceptions in the spring, he attacks downfield more than any of the other healthy quarterbacks and has a strong arm. If Williams leaves, Nickel could have a realistic shot to compete for the starting job in 2026 if UM cannot find another Cam Ward or Beck in the portal next winter.
▪ Running back: Another scholarship player needs to be added as a safeguard against injuries, but this is tricky because that player would likely enter no higher than third or fourth on the depth chart.
The need for more at the position is no reflection on the quality of the room: Mark Fletcher Jr. and Jordan Lyle are a very good 1-1A, and Girard Pringle Jr. and Chris Wheatley-Humphrey seem good enough as a No. 3 and No. 4. Walk-on Terrell Walden stands fifth at the moment.
▪ Wide receiver: UM needs one more impact player (and arguably even a second addition) on the boundary to supplement Jojo Trader (who established himself as a clear starter but is dealing with an injury), LSU transfer CJ Daniels, Ny Carr (came on strong this spring), and Joshua Moore and Daylyn Upshaw, who look like they might be able to contribute as freshmen.
Trader’s recovery time from an injury is unclear, and UM likes to keep timetables and specifics in house.
Ideally, Daniels would be a No. 3 or No. 4 and a portal addition would start on the boundary opposite Trader. It’s unclear whether Chance Robinson figures into the plans.
There’s no concern about the slot job; Malachi Toney capped a very good spring with an electrifying performance in the spring game, and Ray Ray Joseph looks much improved.
▪ Tight end: Elija Lofton, who drew raves all spring, and pass-catching specialist Alex Bauman (the Tulane transfer) are set as the 1-2.
This comes down to whether UM is comfortable with UAB transfer Jack Nickel (Luke’s brother) as its top in-line blocking tight end in the wake of Jackson Carver sustaining a long-term injury.
An extra body would help, but freshmen Brock Schott and Luka Gilbert impressed enough in the spring that adding one isn’t essential, and Schott can play H-back. Walk-on Evan Ruskovich created separation and made a couple of nice catches in the spring game.
▪ Offensive line: There’s more than enough depth and talent. The question is whether a couple of backups enter the portal.
▪ Defensive line: UM is in excellent shape at end, with a half dozen promising players (Armondo Blount, Malik Bryant, Hayden Lowe, Booker Pickett, injured Cole McConathy, Marquise Lightfoot, Elias Rudolph) battling for time behind Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor.
But another veteran rotation player would be helpful at tackle, to supplement David Blay, Justin Scott and Ahmad Moten. Freshman Donta Simpson impressed everyone and has a chance to win the No. 4 job if a veteran isn’t added, with Daylen Russell also in the mix. Joshua Horton has had trouble staying healthy. [Update: Horton is entering the transfer portal.]
▪ Linebacker: The question here is whether Mario Cristobal and defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman believe they have a clear-cut starter opposite Wesley Bissainthe. Raul Aguirre made his case by stopping Fletcher on a 4th and goal from the 1 on Saturday. Jaylin Alderman and Chase Smith are solid, and Bobby Pruitt flashed this spring.
With Aguirre and Pruitt, Adarius Hayes, injured Ezekiel Marcelin and Kellen Wiley, there’s a talented wave of young players.
But if an impact starting linebacker hits the portal, UM would be wise to pursue. Bissainthe, who took some snaps at middle linebacker this spring, said he’s comfortable playing inside or outside.
▪ Cornerback: UM is all set here, with impressive Wisconsin transfer Xavier Lucas and OJ Frederique projecting as the starters, and transfers Ethan O’Connor and Emmanuel Karnley and returnee Damari Brown giving UM far better depth than a year ago.
Brown and Michigan State transfer Charles Brantley leave UM in pretty good shape in the slot, at nickel corner.
▪ Safety: Adding another clear-cut starter opposite Jacksonville State transfer Zechariah Poyser would be welcomed if one becomes available. It was difficult to gauge the progress of second-year player Zaquan Patterson because he was slowed by injury.
[Update: Patterson is entering the transfer portal.]
Dylan Day and Markeith Williams made their case with good spring performances, and freshman Amari Wallace had an interception in the spring game.
Because Hetherman calls his defense positionless and has enviable depth at corner, it wouldn’t be a disaster if another safety isn’t added. But it would help.
▪ Kicker: We heard the performance (on field goals and extra points) was uneven this spring, but Abram Murray and FAU transfer Carter Davis each hit field goals in the spring game. If a top kicker becomes available, UM needs to explore.
Beck progressing
Beck, coming off elbow surgery after an injury sustained while playing for Georgia, was due to start throwing on Monday, Cristobal said.
▪ Bain, who had a somewhat disappointing second season after returning from an injury in the opener, had an impactful spring after dropping 10 pounds.
“I’m eating steak, mashed potatoes, vegetables, upping the protein, trying to slim down but not lose too much weight,” he said. “Change how my body looks, the time I eat, what I eat, being more cautious when it comes to food.”
▪ Hetherman said he likes the way freshman Lowe “is explosive off the ball, plays with really good pad level. Off a single block, he’s a guy we expect to win. His movements, how twitchy he is, [stands out] The thing I love about him: Does he make mistakes? 100%, all our guys do. But he makes them 100 miles per hour and that way it’s easy to learn.”
This story was originally published April 14, 2025 at 10:57 AM.
