By Tony Thomas
The Miami Hurricanes are coming off a 7-6 record in 2023, starting the season off 4-0 before finishing the with a 3-6 record over the final nine games. Mario Cristobal then went into the transfer portal and found a game-changer at quarterback, as well as some very talented defenders. Here we profile three of those transfers who will make a significant impact this fall.
QB Cameron Ward
Previous School: Washington State Cougars
6’2”, 223 lbs.
Cameron Ward decided the pros can wait another year and committed to the Canes as a graduate transfer. In 2023, Ward threw for 3,376 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only seven INTs (in over 480 pass attempts), and completed 66% of his throws.
Ward recorded three games of over 400 yards passing, four games of over 300 yards, and he did not throw an INT over the first five weeks (and 14 TDs over that stretch).
Being accurate with the football is certainly not an issue, as Ward completed 70% or better of his passes six times last season. For his collegiate career, one that includes two seasons at the FCS Incarnate Word, Ward has 13,875 passing yards and 119 touchdowns to his credit.
Ward averaged 311 yards passing per game in 2023, good enough for #4 in the FBS. Miami averaged 258 passing yards per game as a team (#43 nationally).
S Mishael Powell
Previous School: Washington Huskies
6’1”, 204 lbs.
In 2023, Mishael Powell started 14 games for the Huskies and racked up 38 tackles, three INTs, 2.5 tackles for loss, and six pass breakups. Powell tied for the team lead with three INTs, and returned one 89 yards for a touchdown. In his collegiate career, Powell has 93 career tackles to his credit.
DL Elijah Alston
Previous School: Marshall Thundering Herd
6’2”, 256 lbs.
Elijah Alston comes to Miami as a 2023 3rd Team All-Sun Belt selection. Alston recorded 45 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and pressured the quarterback 16 times. In addition, Alston recorded six tackles, and picked off a pass and returned it 85 yards for a score vs Old Dominion. Against Georgia State, Alston made five tackles, two tackles for loss, and recorded a sack.
At Miami, Alston reunites with his former defensive coordinator at Marshall, Lance Guidry, who now calls the shots for the Canes defense. In addition, Alston brings experience (24 starts at Marshall) to Miami, along with 24 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in his collegiate career.
Alston will be part of a defensive line position group that projects to return three key contributors from a unit that ranked 12th in the FBS in rushing defense and #24 in total defense in 2023.
More must-reads: