While the 2025 season just ended in heartbreak for Miami and Mario Cristobal, the veteran head coach is wasting no time in building out his roster for next campaign. This group is ready to push for the title once again and there are some exciting transfers on the way.
Former 4-star LB leaving Miami football to enter the transfer portal
On top of that, Cristobal has also done a fantastic job in keeping top talent home. At running back, Mark Fletcher Jr. has decided to hold off on leaving for the NFL Draft, returning for one last season with Miami. Elsewhere, Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer are reporting that the entire Miami RBs room will actually be back next fall. That's huge news for the ACC powerhouse:
In addition to Mark Fletcher, Miami was able to retain its entire running back room with Girard Pringle, Marty Brown, and Jordan Lyle each set to return in 2026, @247Canes and @mzenitz have learned.https://t.co/lCvezj07eR pic.twitter.com/O0dO0gdiY4
— Gaby Urrutia (@GabyUrrutia247) January 25, 2026
Miami is bringing back its entire running backs room for the 2026 season
Boom.
Starting with Fletcher, he's no question going to be the work-horse back, as he's coming off an incredible year - the speedster rushed for 1,192 yards and 12 touchdowns. He's going to take off an enormous amount of pressure for Darian Mensah, assuming he signs with the Canes soon.
Elsewhere, getting Girard Pringle Jr. back is also a huge win. Earlier this week, there was serious concern among the fanbase that the in-state playmaker was going to leave town, as he was planning on entering the transfer portal.
A day later, Pringle had a change of heart and he decided to stay with Miami after all. Marty Brown and Jordan Lyle also making their way back to Coral Gables is a win that can't be overlooked either - Lyle's agent confirmed the news of his return on Sunday morning too via social media. Having that kind of continuity is going to prove to be fantastic for Cristobal and OC Shannon Dawson.
Yes, the loss to Indiana and Fernando Mendoza still stings quite a bit, but you've got to admire the work Cristobal is doing off the field to help build things for the future. Miami is already looking tough for '26 on both sides of the ball. The season-opener can't get here soon enough.