Three Quarterbacks Miami Could Target Through the Transfer Portal

The University of Miami Hurricanes are no strangers to the pressure of competing in one of college football’s most competitive conferences, the ACC. In recent years, the program has undergone a rebuild with a focus on recruiting top talent and establishing a stronger football identity. However, the quarterback position remains an area of concern for the Hurricanes, as they look for stability at the most important position on the field.

As Miami moves forward under head coach Mario Cristobal, there are expectations that the Hurricanes can return to national prominence. To make that leap, they need a quarterback who can execute an offense efficiently, make the right decisions, and lead the team in the toughest moments. With the NCAA Transfer Portal now an integral part of college football recruiting, Miami will likely look to bring in a quarterback with experience and potential to propel them into championship contention.

Here are three quarterbacks that Miami could target through the Transfer Portal, based on their potential to fit into the Hurricanes’ offensive system and contribute immediately.

1. Tyler Van Dyke (Miami) – The Returning Veteran

Although Tyler Van Dyke (often referred to as “TVD”) is technically already on Miami’s roster, his name has emerged in transfer portal rumors due to his potential to play elsewhere or turn pro. However, if Van Dyke decides to return to Miami, it would be a significant development for the Hurricanes.

Van Dyke has been one of the ACC’s most promising quarterbacks in recent seasons. As a freshman, he showcased incredible poise, throwing for over 2,900 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2021, with a high passer rating of 155.1. That performance led many to believe that he could become the face of the Miami program for years to come. However, the 2023 season saw Van Dyke’s play falter, due in part to inconsistent offensive line play and changes in the coaching staff.

That said, Van Dyke’s raw talent and ability to make accurate throws under pressure remain undeniable. If he does return to the program, he would provide Miami with a known commodity at the quarterback position who already understands the system, his teammates, and what it takes to play in the ACC.

His leadership, skill set, and experience could be exactly what the Hurricanes need to stabilize their offense and make a run for an ACC title. Miami fans would be thrilled if TVD decides to stick around for one more year and lead the program to a new era of success.

2. Grayson McCall (Coastal Carolina) – The Dual-Threat Playmaker

One name that has been highly discussed in the transfer portal is Grayson McCall, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who has dominated at Coastal Carolina. McCall has become one of the top quarterbacks in Group of Five football, and after three highly productive seasons, it’s no surprise that he would explore playing at a Power Five program.

At Coastal Carolina, McCall has posted impressive statistics over his career, including throwing for 3,337 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for over 300 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023. His ability to run the football, combined with his strong passing ability, makes him a highly valuable dual-threat quarterback. McCall’s style of play could offer Miami a distinct advantage, especially in a conference like the ACC, where athletic quarterbacks often thrive.

McCall’s adaptability and versatility could complement Miami’s offensive philosophy under Cristobal, as the coach looks to blend both the traditional pro-style offense and modern, fast-paced tempo. With McCall at the helm, the Hurricanes would gain a quarterback who can not only make plays with his arm but also escape the pocket and extend drives with his legs.

With his strong experience in high-level competition and his impressive leadership at Coastal Carolina, McCall could be an ideal fit for a Miami program looking for a dynamic playmaker under center. His experience in leading a successful program and his ability to thrive in both passing and running situations would be a major boost to Miami’s offense.

3. KJ Jefferson (Arkansas) – The Physical Presence

KJ Jefferson, the 6-foot-3, 245-pound quarterback from Arkansas, is another intriguing option for Miami through the Transfer Portal. Jefferson is a physical, powerful quarterback who is capable of beating defenses with his size and strength. He’s a rare combination of a strong arm and bruising running ability that makes him a threat to opposing defenses both inside and outside the pocket.

Over his three seasons as the starting quarterback for Arkansas, Jefferson has thrown for more than 6,100 yards, 60 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions while also contributing with his legs, rushing for over 1,600 yards and 24 touchdowns. His dual-threat ability has allowed him to lead a potent offense in the SEC, one of the toughest conferences in college football.

What stands out about Jefferson is his leadership and his ability to perform in clutch situations. He helped guide the Razorbacks to multiple key victories during his tenure, including impressive performances in bowl games and against top SEC competition. Jefferson’s size and mobility would translate well to an ACC program like Miami, where the Hurricanes have often been susceptible to big, mobile quarterbacks.

With Miami looking to build a well-rounded, physical team, Jefferson’s skill set fits well within Cristobal’s vision. His strong presence in the pocket, combined with the ability to move the chains with his legs, makes him a nightmare for defenders. Jefferson’s playing style could add an extra layer of balance to Miami’s offense and provide the Hurricanes with a tough, competitive edge in both the ACC and national competition.