Players Who Will Most Likely Transfer
With the transfer portal opening up on December 5th, don’t be shocked when more players hit the portal. As mentioned before, it’s been rumored that upwards of 20 to 30 players will transfer this off-season. Below are three players heavily expected to transfer out of Miami based on what has been said.
Romello Brinson, Wide Receiver
A former 4-star wide receiver from the class of 2021, Romello committed to the canes over schools like Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, and LSU. Brinson has barley seen the field this season, only catching 6 receptions for 41 yards.
There has been much speculation about him heading to the portal. Some have gone as far as to ask him directly via social media. There have also been rumors of Brinson trying to sabotage the recruiting class, however those rumors turned out to be fake.
Romello should be expected to hit the transfer portal. A lack of playing time along with all these rumors will most likely see him enter the portal.
Keontra Smith, Linebacker
A former 4-star safety turned linebacker, Smith was originally committed to the Kentucky Wildcats before de-committing and eventually choosing the Canes. He was recruited by other top schools such as Michigan, Alabama, Auburn, and Florida.
Keontra used to be a starter for the Canes defense during the Manny Diaz era. Now his role has been reduced to that of a rotational linebacker. Smith lacks the ideal measurements desired by Kevin Steele, as he’s around 5’11 205 pounds. With one year of eligibility left, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Keontra decide to enter the transfer portal and find another starting role in a more desirable team.
Isaiah Dunson, Cornerback
The former 4-star cornerback from the 2020 was originally committed to the Florida State Seminoles for the early part of his recruitment stage before flipping to the Hurricanes. He was recruited by other top schools such as Ole Miss, Kentucky, South Carolina and Georgia.
Dunson has yet to make a big impact with the Canes. In his 3 seasons with Miami, Dunson has recorded a total of 14 tackles (9 solo) and has had 1 pass defended. Rumor’s have swirled around with his name in regards to who will be the next player to enter the transfer portal for Miami.
Having three top corner commits in their 2023 recruiting class, including 5-star Cormani McClain, it wouldn’t come as a shocker if Dunson fell deeper in the depth chart. With three years of eligibility left, it’s almost certain Dunson will enter the portal.
Players Who are Predicted to Hit the Portal
It’s not guaranteed that all these players will hit the portal. Some could stay, while others who are not listed here could end up leaving. But with the rumors of around 20-30 players transferring out, I decided to make this list based on guys who have seen their role reduced ever since Coach Cristobal came in, dealt with numerous injuries, have been in the program for a long time with little playing time, or guys who I think will want to leave Miami.
Michael Redding III, Wide Receiver
Former 4-star wide receiver from the 2020 class, Michael Redding has been a solid rotational piece for the Canes. In the span of three seasons, Redding hasn’t seen the field that much. With Miami placing a heavy emphasis on bringing in new receivers via the transfer portal and high school recruits, Redding will most likely see his role reduced even further than what it has been, making a case for him to enter the transfer portal.
Chantz Williams, Defensive End
A 4-star defensive end from the 2020 class, Chantz Williams has become a solid, rotational pass rusher for the Hurricanes. This past season, Williams was responsible for 13 total tackles (5 solo) and a mere 2.5 tackles for loss. Chantz has yet to start a game in his career so far, and with Miami’s emphasis on recruiting defensive ends from both the transfer portal and high school, don’t be shocked if Williams enters the portal.
Malik Curtis, Cornerback
The former 3-star athlete from the 2021 recruiting cycle, Malik Curtis has been designated as a cornerback in his time at Miami. In his freshman campaign, Curtis saw action in eight games, mainly as a returner on special teams. This season, he hasn’t returned any kicks and has only played in two games. As mentioned before with Dunson, a loaded 2023 cornerback recruiting class could prompt Curtis to transfer next season.
Laurance Seymore, Guard
A 4-star product from Miami Central, Seymore came into Miami with high expectations of early playing time. However, in his first year he only saw action in two games, and was put on the practice squad at one point. He was forced into the starting lineup this year due to injuries. Next season, he will most likely return to his backup role as the starters return. On top of all his, his younger brother, Lamar Seymore, was originally committed to the Canes but ended up de-committing and choosing Pitt instead. Wouldn’t come as a surprise if Laurance transfers to play along side his brother.
Jordan Miller, Defensive Tackle
Jordan Miller was a 3-star defensive tackle who was a part of the Hurricanes 2018 recruiting class. Miller is one of those players whose role has been reduced ever since the new staff has arrived. With one year left of eligibility, Miller could see his time at Miami come to an end.
Thomas Davis, Defensive Line
A former 3-star recruit from the 2021 class, Thomas Davis is another defensive end who has has seen limited playing time in his two seasons with the Canes. With Miami bringing in more defensive line transfers, I could see him enter the portal.
Khalil Brantley, Tight End
A 3-star product from Miami Northwestern, Brantley is undersized for a tight end (6’2) , being mainly utilized as an H-back in passing formations. With three premier tight ends coming to Miami via the 2023 recruiting class, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he transferred.
Dominic Mammarelli, Tight End
The 3-star tight end from Naples High came into Miami as part of the 2020 recruiting cycle. In his three seasons at Miami, Dominic’s role has been that of a pure blocking tight end, with only one reception to his name. As stated before, Miami is bringing in three premier tight ends from their 2023 recruiting class, who can be both effective run-blockers and dangerous pass-catchers. With that in mind, I expect Dominic to transfer.
Brian Balom, Safety
Brian Balom was a former 3-star safety from the Hurricanes 2020 recruiting class. Like many other defensive backs on this list, Balom has seen limited playing time ever since he’s arrived at Miami, being primarily used on special teams. I expect he ends up finding a new home this coming spring