Miami has been very active in the winter Transfer Portal. However, they are being selective this cycle. They are focused on defensive backs, wide receivers, and defensive linemen, with an eye out for a veteran quarterback.
As the staff prepares for their bowl matchup with Iowa State, the portal recruiting pace has been nothing short of hectic. After a bevy of visits from portal prospects, it’s decision time. We expect many prospects to begin making their commitments this week.
At this time, here is our projections on Miami’s most wanted targets.
Wide Receiver:
WR CJ Daniels (LSU)
CJ has visited Miami. At 6’2”/205, he would bring playmaking ability, size and veteran experience to Coral Gables. It’s down to Ole Miss, Auburn and Miami.
PROJECTION: Miami
WR Eric Singleton (Georgia Tech)
Probably the most sought after wide receiver in the portal at this time. The dynamic playmaker is the the top of Miami’s board and has taken a visit to Miami. The #1 overall player is down to Miami, Auburn, and Ole Miss.
PROJECTION: Auburn
WR KC Concepcion (NC State)
A dynamic playmaker out of the slot, Concepcion could be the potential replacement for Xavier Restrepo. He is visiting Miami on Wednesday. It’s down to Miami, Alabama, Auburn, Colorado and Texas A&M.
PROJECTION: Miami or Texas A&M
WR De'Zhaun Stribling (Oklahoma State)
Stribling is a big and productive receiver. Miami wants to get bigger at the wideout position. He has visited Miami recently. It’s down to Miami and Ole Miss.
PROJECTION: Ole Miss (update: committed to Ole Miss)
WR Eric Rivers (FIU)
A record setting slot receiver, Rivers is a potential replacement for Restrepo. In 2024, Eric put had a breakout season, catching 62 passes for 1,172 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has one year of remaining eligibility. It’s appears it’s down to Miami, Penn State Kentucky, Nebraska and Colorado.
PROJECTION: Miami
Defensive Back:
Safety Zechariah Poyser (Jacksonville State)
The #2 safety in the portal committed to Miami on Tuesday.
PROJECTION: Miami (committed to Canes)
CB Emmanuel Karnley (Arizona)
At 6’-3”/185, the #6 cornerback in the Transfer Portal, is strongly considering Miami, Michigan and Ole Miss. In 2024, he totaled 16 tackles and five pass breakups in 10 games. He has three years of eligibility remaining.
PROJECTION: Michigan
CB Ethan O'Connor (Washington State)
At 6’-1”/ 172, the talented corner registered 32 tackles, intercepting four passes and breaking up an additional 12 pass attempts in 12 starts this season. It’s down to Oklahoma, Georgia, Miami, UCLA and Colorado.
PROJECTION: UCLA
Defensive Line:
DT Keeshawn Silver (Kentucky)
The 6’-4”/336 former five-star prospect is a huge run stuffer that Miami covets. Keeshawn is rated 91 and #5 DL in the transfer portal. Miami has hosted him on campus recently. It appears its down to Miami, Florida, Michigan, and USC.
PROJECTION: Michigan
DT David Blay (Lousiana Tech)
At 6’-4”/303, Blay is a coveted nose tackle in the portal. After spending two years at DII level before landing LA Tech in 2023. in 2024 he started all 12 games and earned All-CUSA First Team honors with 46 tackles, 11.0 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
PROJECTION: To be determined
DT Matthew Alexander (UCF)
At 6’-3”/295, Matthew is visiting Miami on Wednesday. He has served as a rotational DT over the past three years. Matthew has played 1,055 career snaps with 28 quarterback pressures. He earned a 75.6 run defense grade with no missed tackles.
PROJECTION: To be determined
DT Jay'viar Suggs (LSU)
At 6’-3”/295, Suggs spent four seasons at DII Grand Valley State. He transferred to LSU in 2024, He took 133 snaps as a reserve defensive tackle in 2024, with a 2024 career-high 18 tackles and four tackles for loss. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
PROJECTION: To be determined
Quarterback:
QB John Mateer (Washington State)
Mateer is at the top of Miami’s quarterback board. Maybe the only one on the board at this time. His home is only three hours by car. His former OC has been hired in Norman. It appears to be down to Oklahoma and Miami, with most projecting him to sign with the Sooners. But never underestimate Mario Cristobal at the finish line.
PROJECTION: Oklahoma
BOTTOM LINE:
Miami will fill some of their biggest needs this winter. Emory Williams will be given a chance to win the QB1. If not, look for the Canes to return to the after spring practice for depth pieces.
GO CANES!
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