The Miami Hurricanes' ten most fascinating transfer portal prospects for 2025
The Miami Hurricanes have a solid foundation but need targeted reinforcements from the transfer portal to address key departures and maintain their competitive edge. While they don’t require an overwhelming influx of new players, replacing the current crop of exiting talent with experienced, “play-now” contributors is essential. Here’s a breakdown of potential transfer targets, divided by offense and defense. The list is not ranked but grouped by position for clarity.
### Offensive Targets
The Hurricanes possess offensive talent but face gaps that require immediate attention, especially with the departure of key players like quarterback Cam Ward, running back Damien Martinez, wide receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George, tight end Elijah Arroyo, and linemen Jalen Rivers and Zach Carpenter. While the team has promising pieces in-house, certain positions—particularly quarterback and center—need experienced players who can contribute from day one.
#### **Quarterback: Fernando Mendoza (California)**
Fernando Mendoza, a Miami native and alumnus of Christopher Columbus High School, seems poised to don the Hurricanes’ orange and green. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, Mendoza has shown steady improvement during his two seasons at Cal, where he threw for 30 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, averaging 7.5 yards per attempt.
Mendoza’s familiarity with Miami and his growth trajectory make him an attractive option. However, he isn’t a direct replacement for Cam Ward, whose elite playmaking helped the Hurricanes secure a 10-win season. Mendoza’s 41 sacks this year highlight the importance of shoring up the offensive line, particularly with Miami losing its starting left tackle and center.
#### **Running Back: Wayshawn Parker (Washington State)**
Wayshawn Parker’s versatility as an all-purpose back makes him a valuable target. At 6-foot and 200 pounds, Parker’s dual-threat ability complements Mark Fletcher’s more traditional rushing style. Parker averaged 5.4 yards per carry last season, scoring five touchdowns, with standout performances against Utah State and Texas Tech. His experience in Washington State’s dynamic offense under coordinator Ben Arbuckle could translate well to Miami’s scheme.
#### **Wide Receiver: Eric Singleton Jr. (Georgia Tech)**
Eric Singleton Jr. is a dynamic playmaker who could fill the void left by Xavier Restrepo. Over two seasons at Georgia Tech, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound receiver scored 10 touchdowns despite playing in a limited offensive system. Singleton’s ability to contribute as a pass-catcher, ball carrier, and kickoff returner addresses multiple needs for Miami, especially in the return game. However, competition for Singleton will be fierce, with schools like Georgia vying for his commitment. Another intriguing option is NC State’s Kevin Concepcion, a versatile slot receiver with similar skills.
#### **Tight End: Max Klare (Purdue)**
With Elijah Arroyo heading to the NFL, Miami’s tight end depth chart is thin. Max Klare, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight end, fits the bill as a modern flex option. Last season at Purdue, Klare averaged over 13 yards per catch and scored four touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to stretch the field. Miami will likely face competition from Louisville, where Klare’s skill set aligns with Jeff Brohm’s offensive philosophy.
#### **Offensive Line: Hunter Zambrano (Illinois State)**
Hunter Zambrano’s South Florida roots and versatility make him a compelling addition to Miami’s offensive line. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound sixth-year senior played left tackle at the FCS level but could transition to guard in the Power Five. With Miami needing depth at tackle and interior positions, Zambrano’s experience and physicality could bolster the unit alongside promising talents like Markel Bell and Samson Okunlola.
#### **Center: Braelin Moore (Virginia Tech)**
The Hurricanes’ struggles at center have persisted for multiple seasons, making this position a top priority. Braelin Moore, a 6-foot-3, 303-pound lineman with ACC experience, offers an ideal solution. Moore’s familiarity with the conference and proven ability to handle the position’s demands would provide stability. Former Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who worked closely with Kyron Drones at Virginia Tech, could help vouch for Moore’s fit within Miami’s system.
### Defensive Targets
While the offensive side of the portal offers players with higher floors, the defensive options present exciting potential with higher ceilings. The Hurricanes must replace several key defenders, including Tyler Baron, Simeon Barrow, Francisco Mauigoa, and Mishael Powell. Although Miami’s roster includes promising talent, developing it remains a question mark. Adding proven performers from the portal will be critical.
#### **Defensive End: Williams Nwaneri (Missouri)**
Williams Nwaneri is a tantalizing prospect with impressive physical traits but limited production. At 6-foot-7 and 255 pounds, Nwaneri has the frame and athleticism to develop into a game-changing pass rusher. Miami’s need for production off the edge is pressing, especially after Tyler Baron’s underwhelming season. While Nwaneri’s upside is undeniable, the Hurricanes must weigh his potential against his current readiness.
#### **Defensive Tackle: Keeshawn Silver (Kentucky)**
Keeshawn Silver, a 6-foot-4, 334-pound tackle, brings valuable size and experience to the interior defensive line. The former five-star recruit has had a winding college career, with stops at North Carolina and Kentucky. While his stats from last season—one sack, 26 tackles, and one tackle for loss—don’t jump off the page, his sheer size and strength make him a valuable rotational piece. Silver’s familiarity with the region could lead him to consider other ACC programs, but Miami’s need for interior depth makes him a worthwhile target.
#### **Linebacker: Josiah Trotter (West Virginia)**
Replacing Francisco Mauigoa’s production at inside linebacker is a tall order, but Josiah Trotter—the son of NFL great Jeremiah Trotter—offers a promising solution. The 6-foot-2, 238-pound linebacker recorded 36 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, and two pass breakups last season. Trotter’s pedigree and football IQ make him a strong candidate to thrive in Lance Guidry’s defensive system.
#### **Safety: Dillon Thieneman (Purdue)**
Dillon Thieneman, a 6-foot, 207-pound safety with two years of Big Ten experience, is an ideal plug-and-play option for Miami’s secondary. Thieneman’s impressive stat line includes seven tackles for loss, six interceptions, nine pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. With Barry Odom taking over at Purdue, Thieneman may be inclined to stay, but his versatility and production will attract numerous suitors, including Miami.
### The Path Forward
The Hurricanes are not in crisis mode but must address glaring holes in their roster to sustain their momentum. The departure of star quarterback Cam Ward creates a significant challenge, and replacing proven contributors like Restrepo, Arroyo, Rivers, and Barrow will require a mix of internal development and external acquisitions.
Miami’s 10-2 season was solid but fell short of expectations, particularly with the team missing out on the ACC Championship Game. For Mario Cristobal, the focus now shifts to sustaining progress and building for future success. Strategic use of the transfer portal will be pivotal in filling immediate needs and positioning the Hurricanes to compete at the highest level in 2025 and beyond.
