Miami utilized the transfer portal to add quarterback Carson Beck, center James Brockermeyer, depth at running back, two starting receivers, a starting linebacker and a rebuilt secondary. Beck had the best
Beck completed 23 out of 37 for 268 yards with two touchdowns and one interception and one major, huge, game-deciding rushing score. Beck eclipsed his combined total from the first two College Football Playoff games by 27 yards against Mississippi.
The top receiver for Miami on Thursday night was BYU transfer Keelan Marion with seven receptions for 114 yards and a 52-yard TD. North Dakota State transfer CharMar Brown had 14 carries for 54 yards and two receptions for seven yards. LSU transfer WR C.J. Daniels and UAB transfer TE Alex Bauman also contributed.
The top five tacklers for Miami and seven out of the top eight against Mississippi are transfers. Safety Jakobe Thomas, who transferred from Tennessee, was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player of the Fiesta Bowl after he had five tackles and two pass breakups. Beck was the Offensive MVP.
“Almost exactly a year ago I made the decision to come to this university”
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 9, 2026
Carson Beck talks about his journey transferring from Georgia to @CanesFootball and reaching the National Championship 🏆 pic.twitter.com/80tXP2SSa1
Defensive transfers led the way
Linebacker Mohamed Toure, defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor, cornerbacks Xavier Lucas and Ethan O'Connor, safety Zechariah Poyser and defensive back Keionte Scott were all transfers who played significant roles for Miami against Mississippi.
Three of the four Miami TDs were scored by transfers and kicker Carter Davis, who transferred to Miami from Florida Atlantic, made key field goals and all of his extra points in the last two weeks. The rebuilt Miami secondary was led by first-year defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman.
The performance by Beck in 2025 and 2024 Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward makes Miami a destination for QBs. Hetherman led a significantly improved Miami defense led by the front four and the secondary. Expect Miami to continue being active in the Transfer Portal to replace the star transfers moving on after 2025.