Hurricanes receiver Ray Ray Joseph to enter transfer portal. Where things stand
Receiver Nathaniel “Ray Ray” Joseph, who arrived at UM as a top 150 prospect in the Class of 2023, on Wednesday informed the Hurricanes staff that he’s entering the transfer portal, according to a source.
Joseph appeared in three games this year and hadn’t played since September, according to UM’s participation charts.
A Miami Edison High graduate, Joseph was universally rated as a four-star recruit and one of the top 25 receivers in the 2023 class.
He caught six passes for 36 yards in 10 games as a freshman and had 251 all purpose yards.
Last season, he played in all 13 games and served as the team’s primary punt returner, finishing with six catches for 74 yards and generating 128 yards on 17 punt returns, a 9.5 average that ranked ninth in the ACC in 2024.
Joseph and Malachi Toney competed for the UM slot job during spring practice, and Cincinnati transfer Tony Johnson was added in the portal in May.
But the dynamic freshman Toney won the slot job during August practice and went on to produce the best season ever by a first-year Canes receiver. While Toney played 648 offensive snaps, Johnson played 109 offensive snaps and Joseph 42.
Joseph, who has two years of eligibility remaining, ended the season with two receptions for 25 yards and had 14 catches for 135 yards in his UM career.
In July, UM receivers coach Kevin Beard said the Canes’ only two receivers who are married to playing only one position were freshman Joshua Moore (on the outside) and the 5-10 Joseph (in the slot) and “everybody else is interchangeable.”
Ultimately, with Toney’s emergence, there wasn’t an opportunity for Joseph. Toney also replaced him as UM’s punt returner.
The transfer portal window runs Jan. 2 to 16, but like many players around the country, Joseph wants to get an early jump on determining his next destination.
In the months ahead, UM is expected to add a veteran receiver in the portal to replace departing CJ Daniels and Keelan Marion, who will participate in the playoffs.
A veteran, in 2026, will supplement a talented group led by Toney, Moore, freshman Daylyn Upshaw and four well-regarded freshmen receivers, led by Vance Spafford.
This story was originally published December 10, 2025 at 1:04 PM.
