James Fletcher III of On3 ranks Miami 18th in his "Way-too-early Top 25 college basketball rankings: Immediate look ahead to 2026-27 season." Miami will be led by star forwards, rising sophomore Shelton Henderson and 2026 five-star signee Caleb Haskins.
Miami returns Dante Allen in the backcourt. Allen started the final 16 games for Miami and 18 overall during his freshman season in 2026. Rising sophomore forwards Salih Altuntas and Timo Malovec are currently projected to return for Miami in 2026-27.
Guards Noam Dovrat and Tru Washington have entered the transfer portal. Expect Miami head coach Jai Lucas and his staff to be active in the portal searching for guards and a center. Altuntas and Malovec should receive more time in 2026-27, but Miami needs a true low-post presence.
In addition to Dovrat and Washington entering the transfer portal, Miami loses point guard Tre Donaldson, power forward Malik Reneau and center Ernest Udeh Jr., who have all completed their college eligibility. Donaldson, Reneau and Udeh all joined Miami as transfers during the 2025 portal cycle.
"18. MiamiJames Fletcher III, On3.
Key returns: Dante Allen, Marcus Allen, Shelton Henderson, Tru Washington
Key additions: Caleb Gaskins
Key departures: Tre Donaldson, Malik Reneau, Ernest Udeh"
Miami could lose more transfers
Altunas and Malovec are prime candidates to enter the Transfer Portal. Most of the numbers for Altunas decreased in each month of the season. Malovec had a decrease in minutes played in each month beginning in December. Either or both of Altunas and Malovec could seek a more certain future with another program.
Jai Lucas proved in his first season his ability as a recruiter and roster builder. Miami is likely to get back forward Marcus Allen, who sat out this season battling cancer. Dante and Marcus Allen, Gaskins and Henderson give Miami a good foundation to build its 2026-27 roster.
Miami might not be finished signing freshmen in the 2026 class. After finishing in third place in the ACC in 2025-26, Miami should have a roster good enough to compete in the conference again in 2026-27. The future of the basketball program in Coral Gables is bright.