Miami's Transfer Portal Needs
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There are many questions regarding the Miami Hurricanes’ Transfer Portal needs. This article’s intent is to start looking into what could and should happen. Look for more concrete information soon after the regular season when the Transfer Portal officially opens back up.
Until then, here are a few of the positions that Miami will possibly address via the Transfer Portal.
Quarterback: This is the biggest question and there are several possible scenarios that could play out.
Nobody knows just how fast current true freshman Emory Williams will heal from his left arm injury, although he's expected to be back for spring practice per Mario Cristobal. There's no guarantee though. That makes the quarterback depth difficult to project if Williams is still out.
Plus, at least one of Tyler Van Dyke or Jacurri Brown could head elsewhere, too. How would Miami be able to operate spring ball efficiently with just one scholarship quarterback? That's a possible scenario until proven otherwise.
From the above information and the early intel, expect Miami to go hard after a Transfer Portal quarterback.
Cornerback: Through the air, the Canes are allowing 233.9 yards per game, which is 81st nationally. Needless to say, Miami needs to consider all options and the Transfer Portal is certainly a part of the equation.
In general, teams heading to the College Football Playoff tend to have at least one future 1st or 2nd round pick at cornerback. That just goes to show how important the position is to winning big.
Miami fans also agree with the need for a transfer cornerback per this poll:
Besides quarterback, which position do #Canes fans think Miami needs to hit the #TransferPortal the hardest for 2024? #TheU
— All Hurricanes (@AllHurricanes) November 21, 2023
Defensive Tackle: A gallant effort this season. That’s especially true with multiple defensive tackles being banged up and true freshman defensive end Rueben Bain, Jr. periodically moving to the interior.
That’s also why the Canes need to add another defensive tackle with natural size. At a minimum, one defensive tackle from the Transfer Portal should be the expectation.
Offensive Line: Miami is going to likely lose at least one of Jalen Rivers and/or Javion Cohen, in addition to Matt Lee. It’s a great offensive line but players move on to the NFL. While offensive line candidates are not plentiful in the Transfer Portal, Miami is likely to be seeking at least one for the 2024 season.
Tight End: Perhaps the most difficult position to project. There are many questions that at least open the door for one tight end being brought in from the Transfer Portal.
Does Jaleel Skinner project for more playing time in 2024? Is Cam McCormick definitely coming back to Coral Gables? Will current true freshman Jackson Carver be ready to play significant minutes in 2024? Could fellow true freshman Riley Williams be a dominant tight end as soon as 2024?
Wide Receiver: This position is mostly about any one of Jacolby George, Xavier Restrepo, and Colbie George entering the 2024 NFL Draft. If one of them does, let alone two, it’s likely that Cristobal and his coaching staff look for another wide receiver from the Transfer Portal.
Otherwise, it’s probably a scenario where the Hurricanes would only take a Transfer Portal option that can truly make an immediate impact.
Linebacker: Much like the wide receiver position, what if Francisco Mauigoa jumps to the NFL? Also, K.J. Cloyd is playing well after transferring to Miami from Louisville. He’s an example of why veteran linebackers tend to matter.
Do not be shocked if the Canes consider a linebacker even if Mauigoa does not return in 2024.
Safety: Let us be honest. Both Kam Kinchens and James Williams are going to head to the NFL. Therefore, at least one addition from the Transfer Portal is going to be needed.
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