Miami football needs more impact transfers

Quarterback D’Eriq King and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips in 2020 and wide receiver Charleston Rambo in 2021 had huge impacts on the Miami football program after transferring from Houston, UCLA and Oklahoma. None of the transfers Miami added for the 2022 season had similar impacts.

The transfers the Miami football program added to its 2023 roster are unlikely to be impact players. Edge rusher Akheem Mesidor was a very good player for Miami in 2022. Mesidor had 38 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks last season after transferring from West Virginia.

King significantly upgraded the QB play for Miami in 2020, Phillips was a second-team all-American and became a first-round pick and Rambo set program records for receptions and receiving yards in a season in 2021. None of the 2022 or 2023 transfers are expected to have the same type of impact.

Defensive tackle Thomas Gore who transferred to Miami from Georgia State is the only Hurricanes 2023 transfer ranked in the top 25 nationally by Pro Football Focus. Gore was called dominant at Georgia State by PFF, but he takes a big step up in competition and will likely begin as a backup to Jared Harrison-Hunte and Leonard Taylor.

Javion Cohen from Alabama likely at guard and Matt Lee from Central Florida at center add depth and experience while helping to upgrade the talent on the offensive line. Miami also added cornerback Davonte Brown from UCF, linebacker Francisco Mauigoa from Washington State and DT Branson Deen from Purdue.

Mauigoa could have the biggest impact as the projected starting middle LB in 2023. In 2022 Mauigoa had 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception, two passes defended, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. All of the players Miaim added are solid players, but not elite impact performers.

Miami hosted USC WR Gary Bryant over the weekend. Bryant could be a impact player but is being deliberate with his decision and would not enroll until summer. The transfer portal window that began in December closed on Thursday at midnight. All players who have entered the portal can still make decisions on their next destinations.

The second football transfer portal window is from May 1-15. After 2023 depth charts begin to gain more clarity the transfer portal will have another surge. Miami needs an outside WR and depth at QB after Jake Garcia entered the transfer portal on Tuesday. Miami has added 25 freshmen and seven transfers for 2023.