It looks like the Miami Hurricanes are itching closer to full health as the Fiesta Bowl approaches.
The prognosis on defensive back OJ Frederique seems promising after he was spotted in a walking boot after the Cotton Bowl and now defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman said he's very confident that defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. will play Thursday.
Positive news on the injury front for Miami heading into the CFP semi-finals against Ole Miss. DC Corey Hetherman said he's "very confident" starting DT Ahmad Moten Sr. (ankle) will play. He'd been listed as questionable after getting hurt against OSU. pic.twitter.com/jNWW2FfOAr
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 6, 2026
"I think we're very confident they're looking very good today. I'm very confident Moten will play, and [Damari] Brown I thnk will have a shot," Hetherman said.
Moten is one of the unsung heroes on the Miami defensive front. The 6-foot-3, 325-pound defensive tackle occupies space and will take on double teams to free up Reuben Bain and Ahkeem Mesidor to do damage in one-on-one situations where they can be nearly impossible to block. But Moten isn't just a space eater. He'll get in on the pass rush as well and has 4.5 sacks this season.
He will also be one of the primary stoppers in the run game. One of the key matchups of Thursday's CFP semifinal against Ole Miss will be the Hurricanes' ability to slow down the run, from both the Rebels' tough running back Kewan Lacy and quarterback Trinidad Chambliss.
Lacy is the best running back Miami has faced all season. He is 36 yards short of 1,500 and has 23 touchdowns. He rushed for 98 yards and two touchdowns in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia.
If Brown is able to play, it would be another boost
Brown has been struggling with injuries at various times in his career and he was unavailable for the Cotton Bowl, leaving a host of cornerbacks to try to deal with Jeremiah Smith. This week the task for the secondary isn't much easier. Ole Miss has five different players with over 500 yards receiving.
The Rebels pass catchers are a big, physical bunch with Trey Wallace, De'Zhaun Stribling and tight end Dae'Quan Wright leading the way. Brown, listed at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, is the type of bigger body that can matchup well with the Rebels' size.