Star defensive back Keionte Scott is probable for the Miami Hurricanes upcoming matchup against the Texas A&M Aggies. He hasn't played since Nov. 15. For a Miami defense that will need all hands on deck in the College Football Playoff, this is huge news for Mario Cristobal and company.
Big development for Miami. Star defensive back Keionte Scott is probable. He hasn’t played Nov. 15. pic.twitter.com/X4i6n9p50k
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 18, 2025
Keionte Scott listed as probable ahead of CFP matchup
Scott was officially listed as probable on the initial Miami-Texas A&M injury report, a notable step forward after he missed the final three games of the regular season with a foot injury.
Mario Cristobal has been hinting at this for days. In his Monday media availability, Cristobal said he feels "very strongly" that Scott will be ready to go against Texas A&M and praised both his mentality and how he has attacked rehab.
Before the injury, Scott started Miami's first nine games. He piled up 44 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception, plus five pass breakups, a forced fumble and six quarterback hurries. Pro Football Focus graded him at 90.3 on defense, which ranks fourth among cornerbacks with at least 100 snaps this season.
But even without him, Miami's defense has held up. Over the last four games, largely played without Scott, the Hurricanes have allowed just 34 total points while locking up a CFP bid.
Texas A&M will stress every inch of that secondary. Dual-threat quarterback Marcel Reed is one of the best in the SEC. The Aggies also might get star running back Le'Veon Moss back from an ankle injury, after he was listed as questionable on the same injury report.
Keionte Scott's journey and impact on the Miami Hurricanes
Before arriving at Miami, he spent three seasons at Auburn after starring at Snow College, where he was a two-time JUCO All-American and co-defensive player of the year. At Auburn he made 23 starts across 33 games, recorded 115 tackles and six tackles for loss, and became one of the SEC's better punt returners, averaging 10.3 yards per return with a 74-yard touchdown against Arkansas in 2022.
From a locker room standpoint, the impact of Scott's return is just as big as the on-field component. Scott is a sixth-year redshirt senior and a veteran voice in a defense full of stars. Cristobal has also repeatedly pointed to Scott's mentality and leadership as part of what makes him so valuable.