National CFB writers thoughts on Miami football transfer additions

Brad Crawford and Chris Hummer of 247 Sports in two separate articles summarized the transfers for the Miami football program. Hummer had “150 (quick) thoughts on the 150 best transfers in college football” and Crawford wrote about “College football rankings: Top 25 transfer portal classes for 2023…”

As part of his 150 thoughts about the best transfers in college football, Hummer has four incoming Miami players from other schools on his list. Those four players and their potential impact on the Miami football program were highlighted by Hummer. Three of the four are potential starters.

The fourth is expected to be a key part of the rotation on the defensive line. Two of the four Miami transfers ranked in the top 150 nationally join the Hurricanes with their brothers who were signees in the 2023 class. After not having any brother tandems on the 2022 team, Miami will have three sets of brothers in 2023.

The 2023 Miami transfer class ranks just outside the top 10. SMU with six former Hurricanes is 10th in the 247 transfer rankings. Mario Cristobal in December that Miami would put an emphasis on interior defensive linemen and outside wide receivers. Miami has added two transfer DTs, but no outside WRs.

Miami football transfers ranked in 247 Sports top 150

• “Javion Cohen (8) is an instant upgrade for Miami, whose guards struggled to pass block in 2022.
• Miami loves the Mauigoa family. One brother (Francis) is a five-star 2023 signee at OT. The other, Francisco (44), is an all-conference-level LB transfer from Washington State.
• D-lineman Branson Deen (87) can really get after the QB. He created 34 pressures last season for Purdue, which is six more than any player on Miami’s 2022 roster.
• Davonte Brown (90) should be a Day 1 starter for Miami at cornerback. He’s played well for UCF the last two years.”

Miami football transfer class ranking

"12. Miami Hurricanes (8 transfers)“Miami should have one of the top offensive lines in the country given the talent it signed in the 2023 recruiting class, from a high school standpoint and the portal. Javion Cohen from Alabama should be an instant starter and UCF’s Matt Lee brings immediate playability.”"

Central Florida transfer center Matthew Lee not being ranked in the top 150 is surprising. Cohen and Lee with five-star 2023 offensive tackle signees Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola are expected to help significantly improve the production on the Miami offensive line in 2023. Lee brings experience and leadership.

Miami is also expected to have left tackle Zion Nelson and guard Jalen Rivers returning in 2023. The offensive line that starts for Miami to begin the 2023 season should look completely different than the one who finished 2022 versus Pittsburgh. Cristobal wants a physically dominant offensive line.