Miami Hurricanes Earn High Marks From ESPN in 2025 Newcomer Rankings

Another prized and talented recruit was offensive lineman SJ Alofaituli, a 4-star prospect ranked among the top 10 at his position nationally. 

Alofaituli leverages his size (6-foot-3, 280 pounds) with speed and power off the snap and is excellent as a run blocker. In the passing game, he has nimble footwork and is aggressive at the point of attack.

From the transfer portal, the Hurricanes paid Carson Beck millions to get him to come to Miami. Beck threw for almost 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns and 12 INTs last season in Athens.

However, Beck is still on the mend after having elbow surgery that prevented him from throwing the pigskin around the field in spring drills.

Another talented transfer that fills a critical need is former LSU/Liberty WR CJ Daniels. Daniels has 148 catches, 2,434 yards and 21 touchdowns in his collegiate career.

Miami also brings in Louisiana Tech DL David Blay. In 2024, Blay racked up 46 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.

The Hurricanes also brought in a ton of productive talent for the secondary, including safety Zechariah Poyser (from Jacksonville State). Poyser recorded 75 tackles, 3 INTs and eight pass breakups for the Gamecocks.

Add all that up, and the Hurricanes have the talent to improve on last year’s 10-3 record. But Beck’s ability to overcome his injury and lead Miami on the field, and down it, will be the deciding factor for the Hurricanes to contend for titles this season.