Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes linebacker Raul Aguirre Jr. (10) motions to his teammates during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Another Miami Hurricanes Transfer Portal Entry Finds a Similar Home in the ACC

Originally posted on Miami Hurricanes on SI
By Justice Sandle | Last updated Jan 26, 2026 12:47 PM ET

Miami's linebacker room was the weakest spot of a stout national championship-level defense last season.

The Hurricanes will already lose Chase Smith (eligibility) and Wesley Bissainthe (declared for the NFL Draft), while Mohamed Toure will return for his 8th college football season. The Canes expected one veteran from the room to be alongside him, but he has entered the transfer portal and has found a new school in the same conference.

Veteran linebacker Raul "Po Po" Aguirre Jr. has committed and signed with NC State, the same school that also found a home for wide receivers Joshisa Trader and Chance Robinson.

For his Miami career, Aguirre finished with 77 tackles, one pass deflection, and one sack. He was a four-star prospect who was expected to move into a starting role next season, but now the Hurricanes will have to look deep into their recruiting rotation for the next great linebacker next season.

Who Is in the Hurricanes Linebacker Rotation?

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One massive impact player who didn't get playing time last season was NC State transfer Kamal Bonner. The star transfer dealt with injuries all season but has stayed for another year. Not only is he expected to step up, but he could play a massive rotational for the linebacker room for the Canes.

The Hurricanes' coaching staff has high hopes for the star player, who has not hit the portal like many would have expected after this season. He has played in the ACC for a while, and the talent is there for him to be another big hitter alongside Toure.

Cam Pruitt has also proven to be an effective hitter and has made a name for himself on special teams. The Hurricanes are going to trust what they have in the building already for next season, as the transfer portal is already closed.

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Pruitt has the biggest upside for anyone in the Linebacker room. His time on special teams has highlighted his big-hit ability and his speed that can be utilized throughout coverage.

The Canes also recruited several blue-chip recruits over the past two seasons, and most waited their time for this opportunity. It will be another group committee for the room, as the Canes look to show what their recruiting has been able to do over the years.

This article first appeared on Miami Hurricanes on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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