Miami can absorb the transfer of cornerback Emmanuel Karnley with the depth they have built at the position. Karnley entered the transfer portal on Monday after transferring to Miami from Arizona during the winter portal. Miami added three other transfer CBs and signed three in the 2025 freshman class.
Charles Brantley and Xavier Lucas are projected as starters and Ethan O'Connor is expected to be second-team, per David Lake of Inside the U. Lake's projected depth chart was posted before Karnley entered the transfer portal and did not have him in the two-deep.
Sophomore O.J. Frederique is projected to be the other starting CB by Lake. After starting as a freshman in 2023, Damari Brown battled injuries in 2024 and played in only two games. Brown is projected as second team, but if he is healthy, he adds depth and experience and he could play himself into more snaps than expected.
Miami signed Jaboree Antoine, Chris Ewald and Amari Wallace at CB in the 2025 class. Wallace could move to safety. After their secondary was a weakness in 2024, CB could be a strength for Miami in 2025. Safety is still a concern. Expect Miami to target safeties through the spring transfer portal.
Miami cornerback Emmanuel Karnley has entered the transfer portal, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @cbssports/@247Sports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 21, 2025
The 6-foot-3 Karnley had transferred to Miami from Arizona earlier this offseason and was one of the top-ranked cornerbacks during the winter cycle.… pic.twitter.com/97TJTRPzdU
Three of the projected top six Miami CBs for 2025 are through this year's transfer portal. Isaiah Taylor, the son of defensive line coach Jason Taylor, transferred to Miami from Arizona during the 2024 cycle. Taylor is projected as the backup nickel behind Brantley.
Mario Cristobal speaks frequently about talent acquisition. After injuries and poor production limited their secondary in 2024, Cristobal hired an entirely new defensive coaching staff except for Taylor. Miami also significantly upgraded their secondary with the CBs and safety Zechariah Poyser.
Miami needs to add depth at safety to its 2025 roster. The additions through the transfer portal and 2025 freshman class provide Miami significantly more depth at CB entering the 2025 season. Miami's pass defense should be greatly improved with the new CBs on their 2025 roster.