The Miami Hurricanes have moved up to fifth with the addition of cornerback Xavier Lucas in the 247Sports Team Composite Rankings for transfers. Lucas is the second-highest ranked transfer in Miami's 2025 class, with a 92 rating. Quarterback Carson Beck from Georgia is the highest-rated transfer in the portal, with a grade of 95 from 247Sports.
The addition of Lucas gives Miami four of the top 11 2025 transfer CBs. Miami has turned a lack of depth and performance at CB in 2024 into what should be a strength in 2025. Damari Brown and 2024 freshman All-American O.J. Frederique return for Miami at CB in 2025.
Six of the 11 incoming Miami transfers are on defense. Defensive tackle David Blay from Louisiana Tech is tied for the highest-ranked Miami transfer with Lucas and second-ranked transfer safety Zechariah Poyser, the other incoming 2025 transfers for Miami on defense.
Beck, Center James Brockermeyer, tight ends Alex Bauman and Jack Nickel, the brother of 2025 Miami QB signee Luke, and wide receiver C.J. Daniels are incoming transfers for Miami on offense. Beck, Brockermeyer and Daniels will all start for Miami entering the 2025 season.
Miami's defensive back haul this winter:
— Gaby Urrutia (@GabyUrrutia247) January 17, 2025
No. 2 transfer CB Xavier Lucas
No. 2 transfer S Zechariah Poyser
No. 8 transfer CB Emmanuel Karnely
No. 11 transfer CB Charles Brantley
No. 16 transfer CB Ethan O'Connor
Miami fans are quite excited about Xavier Lucas joining Mario Cristobal's team
The addition of Lucas also elevated Miami to the highest-ranked ACC transfer class. Miami has the highest-ranked 2025 overall transfer in Beck, the second-highest rated CB in Lucas, No. 2 DL in Blay and No. 2 safety with Poyser. Miami should be a more balanced team in 2025.
Mario Cristobal and his staff are far from finished adding transfers. The addition of Beck should at least bring in another transfer WR. Behind Daniels, Miami is extremely inexperienced at WR. Bauman and Nickel bring depth and experience to an otherwise young TE group.
The defensive line is another position to watch. Miami has a lot of talent on the DL, but it is mostly young, especially at tackle. Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor return for Miami as the starting edge-rushers. The Hurricanes will have another opportunity to add transfers during the spring portal from April 16-25.