Mario Cristobal and staff have a tough task this week. The Hurricanes are practicing and preparing for their CFP semifinal showdown against Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl. And while the on-field coaches are deep into game prep, the front office is working the transfer portal trying to assure that the 2026 Hurricanes are as successful as this year's group.
The focus in the transfer portal is likely going to focus around quarterback and defensive line, with wide receiver, linebacker and defensive back also getting attention.
Here are five top targets emerging for Miami football in the transfer portal.
Pete Thamel reports that Brendan Sorsby is viewed as the top QB in the transfer portal.
— Chatterbox Sports (@CBoxSports) January 1, 2026
LSU, Texas Tech, and Miami are believed to be the top landing spots to watch.#Bearcats
pic.twitter.com/xrUdER4FuI
1) Brendan Sorsby, QB
Miami reportedly put out an offer for Sorsby, the top quarterback in the transfer portal. The competition here is Texas Tech and LSU, both of which Sorsby will see before any scheduled visit to Miami. If there's a bidding war for Sorsby, which seems likely, how high will Miami go? He's their top target, but it's one that bears watching closely.
2) Wendell Gregory, EDGE
Gregory, the 2025 Big XII Freshman of the Year, is one of the best young pass rushers available and there's a huge market for him. Miami is looking for a player like Gregory to replace Rueben Bain and Ahkeem Mesidor — a productive player that can start multiple seasons. Texas Tech, Texas A&M and USC are all in the picture here.
Popular transfer EDGE Wendell Gregory is drawing interest from Miami, Texas A&M, USC, Florida State, Texas Tech, and others, his agents @ed_waz & @dwoot8 tell @On3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 3, 2026
He’s currently in Lubbock for his first visit
No. 14 Player in the Portal (per On3)https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/nJcm6YD9iI
3) Vandrevius Jacobs, WR
Jacobs had a breakout year as a sophomore at South Carolina, hauling in 32 passes for 548 yards and four touchdosns. The Fort Pierce, Florida native started his college career at Florida State, and he is trending to return to the ACC to play for the Hurricanes. It feels like a commitment that could come here soon.
4) Omar Thornton, Nickel/Safety
Thornton is another player that could make a commitment to Miami in the coming days. He was a standout at Boston College, recording 111 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss in two seasons. The sophomore also has a nose for the ball with five fumble recoveries. Thornton played his high school football at American Heritage in Plantation, and it seems like a good bet he'll be coming back home.
5) Stephiylan Green, Defensive lineman
Green is reportedly planning a visit to Miami after the Fiesta Bowl. If that happens, the Hurricanes would be considered the favorite to land the 6-foot-4, 275-pound freshman. He had 18 tackles and 2.5 sacks with Clemson last year. USC and LSU are both going to push hard for Green.