30 key Miami Hurricanes for 2025 season: Ahmad Moten has carved out a key role

By Jordan McPherson

August 13, 2025 9:10 AM

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Trey Cooley (3) loses his helmet after a hit by Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Ahmad Moten Sr. (99) in the second half during an NCAA game at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, November 9, 2024. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com

The Miami Hurricanes kick off the 2025 season on Aug. 31 with a marquee matchup against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Hard Rock Stadium (7:30 p.m., ABC).

With the calendar officially flipped to August, the Miami Herald is counting down 30 of the most important players on the Hurricanes’ roster, one per day leading up to the season opener, to provide a closer look at the team heading into coach Mario Cristobal’s fourth season.

Today: The No. 18 player on our list, Ahmad Moten.

What to know

Position: Defensive tackle

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale

Year: Redshirt junior

How he got to Miami: 2022 recruiting class

Key stats: 24 games (2 starts), 20 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 pass breakups, 1 interception

In summary: After getting minimal playing time his first two seasons at UM, Ahmad Moten finally cracked the Hurricanes’ defensive tackle rotation in 2024, capped by starting the final two games against Syracuse and Iowa State. Moten will now need to take another valuable step as Miami replaces several key defensive tackles from last season in Simeon Barrow, C.J. Clark and Marley Cook.

What they’re saying

“It really showed me that my coaches really trusted in me. Everything they said, no lies were told. It was just strictly ball. If it felt like you were being better than the next guy up, you’re the next guy up.” — Ahmad Moten on what it meant to get into the playing rotation last season.

“I just want to be able to move better and pass rush better. Like last year, I feel like I was just more stopping the run, which that is my job, but I’ve also got to be versatile and get to the passer on third down.” — Ahmad Moten on losing weight (he’s down to between 300-305 from 310-312 last season) and how it is helping his game.

“He’s getting better and better. Guys like Akheem Mesidor are having an impact on him, really unlocking some of the ability and potential that he could bring on a week-by-week basis to this program. So really proud of Ahmad. ... We’re going to push him really hard because he has greatness in him, and we’re going to get every ounce out of it.” — Coach Mario Cristobal last season on Ahmad Moten’s progression.