Miami running back Graig Cooper (2) react to Miami's school song with Allen Bailey (57) after Miami beat Texas A&M, 34-17, during a football game at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007. Cooper scored two touchdowns. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
As the Miami Hurricanes gear up for the 2025 season, they will look to strengthen their roster through the transfer portal, despite a successful 2024 campaign. The team finished the season with an impressive 10-2 record and earned a spot in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. However, there are still areas that need improvement, and the transfer portal offers the opportunity to fill those gaps with experienced players. Below are five potential transfer targets that could help Miami address key needs and bolster their squad heading into the 2025 season.
1. Blake Glessner (UCLA) – Kicker
Kicking stability has been a concern for Miami, especially after the departure of their freshman kicker. Blake Glessner, a versatile kicker from UCLA, could be a valuable addition to the Hurricanes’ special teams unit. With experience in both kickoffs and place-kicking, Glessner offers a well-rounded skill set that could immediately stabilize the kicking game. He is a one-year option, which provides Miami with time to recruit or develop a long-term solution at the position. Glessner’s ability to step in and handle the pressure of big moments would help the Hurricanes avoid any potential pitfalls in crucial games. His experience would allow him to adapt quickly and provide solid performance right away.
2. Fa’alili Fa’amoe (Washington State) – Offensive Lineman
Miami’s offensive line has been a point of focus for the past few seasons, and the transfer portal offers an opportunity to fill a key void left by the departure of Antonio Tripp. Fa’alili Fa’amoe, an athletic lineman who played tackle at Washington State, could be the answer to bolstering the Hurricanes’ offensive front. At 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, Fa’amoe brings the size and physicality that is essential for a dominant offensive line. His versatility to play multiple positions across the line is a major asset. Fa’amoe could provide immediate help and leadership, filling an important gap and providing depth to an area of the team that is crucial to both the running and passing game.
3. Charles Brantley (Michigan State) – Defensive Back
One of the key areas Miami will look to strengthen is the secondary, particularly after several recent departures via the transfer portal. Charles Brantley, a veteran defensive back from Michigan State, would be an excellent fit for the Hurricanes’ defense. Brantley brings a wealth of experience, having registered 27 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and three interceptions during his time with the Spartans. His ability to create turnovers and his consistency in coverage would provide immediate help to Miami’s defense. Brantley’s leadership and experience would also be invaluable for a young secondary that is still developing. His presence would give the Hurricanes a reliable and seasoned player who can contribute right away in a key position.
4. Tacario Davis (Arizona) – Cornerback
Another major area of concern for Miami’s defense is the cornerback position. With uncertainty surrounding the current group of cornerbacks, Tacario Davis from Arizona is an intriguing prospect. Standing at 6-foot-4, Davis is known for his physicality and lockdown coverage ability. His size and athleticism make him a potential difference-maker in Miami’s defensive backfield. Davis has been one of the top cornerbacks in the transfer portal, and his addition would provide an instant upgrade to Miami’s defense. His ability to shut down opposing wide receivers would add a level of security to the Hurricanes’ secondary, ensuring that Miami has a reliable and dominant force in pass coverage. Davis’ skill set and experience would help stabilize a position that Miami is looking to improve heading into the 2025 season.
5. Fernando Mendoza (California) – Quarterback
With the departure of Reese Poffenbarger and the potential for star quarterback Cam Ward to enter the NFL draft, Miami will be in the market for a quarterback to lead the offense in 2025. Fernando Mendoza, a standout quarterback from California, could be the solution the Hurricanes need. Mendoza passed for over 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns during his sophomore season, showing that he has the potential to be a top-tier signal-caller at the collegiate level. While Mendoza is not as mobile as Ward, he brings a strong arm and excellent decision-making to the position. His experience would allow him to step in and immediately contribute to the Hurricanes’ offense. Mendoza’s ability to manage the game, make accurate throws, and lead the offense would give Miami the stability they need at quarterback as they head into the 2025 season.
Conclusion
The transfer portal presents a crucial opportunity for the Miami Hurricanes to address specific needs and strengthen their roster ahead of the 2025 season. The five players mentioned—Blake Glessner, Fa’alili Fa’amoe, Charles Brantley, Tacario Davis, and Fernando Mendoza—each bring unique skills and experience that would help fill key gaps on the roster. Glessner could provide stability in the kicking game, Fa’amoe would bolster the offensive line, Brantley and Davis would strengthen the secondary, and Mendoza would offer a reliable option at quarterback.
These potential additions would allow Miami to improve in several critical areas, making them a more well-rounded and competitive team as they aim for another successful season in 2025. With the right additions from the transfer portal, the Hurricanes could continue to build on their recent success and position themselves as a strong contender in the college football landscape.
