Miami overhauled its receivers room after Xavier Restrepo, and others, went to the NFL. The Hurricanes addressed the need for playmakers by adding veterans C.J. Daniels (LSU/Liberty), Keelan Marion (BYU), and Tony Johnson (Cincinatti/FAU) to a steady group of young receivers.
But the young core is the most interesting a cluster of former blue-chips and instant-impact freshmen vying to become one of Carson Beck’s favorite targets in Year 1 at The U. So who could it be?
JoJo Trader (So.)
The former five-star flashed late as a true freshman and closed with three grabs for 61 yards and a score in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. He finished 2024 at 6 catches, 91 yards and a TD across seven games. Many have Trader as a second-year breakout, so expect him to be featured outside opposite a veteran.
Joshua Moore (Fr.)
One of the nation’s top incoming receivers, Moore drew a public push from Mario Cristobal during camp. He brings the size and vertical speed the room needs.
"His progress is very real… his ability is off the charts… make sure that he impacts this football team sooner than later."Mario Cristobal
Malachi Toney (Fr.)
The American Heritage product reclassified, signed in December and enrolled in January. Teammates have also already touted his short-area burst. Given Miami’s openness in the slot, Toney will get touches schemed to his acceleration.
Ray Ray Joseph (Jr.)
Joseph’s role has been small so far (6 receptions for 74 yards in 2024), but he handled all punt returns last year (17 for 128 yards). With an elite return man now on campus in Marion (a 2024 FWAA/Walter Camp All-America kick returner), Joseph could focus more on offense, where his straight-line speed still intrigues.
Chance Robinson (So.)
A former St. Thomas Aquinas standout, Robinson appeared in five games before a mid-season injury ended his 2024. Healthy again, his 6-2 frame and body control fit the boundary spots, and he’s a logical mid-season riser if the freshmen hit the usual early wall.
Ny Carr (So.)
After briefly entering the spring portal, Carr withdrew and returned to Miami. He played in five games as a freshman (one catch, eight yards) and remains a talented depth piece who can threaten vertically. He is most likely fighting an uphill battle but there's a reason he came back. Let's see if we find out why.
Daylyn Upshaw (Fr.)
Don’t forget the Alabama state-title producer who posted 71 catches, 1,137 yards and 16 TDs at Central-Phenix City. If injuries hit (knock on wood), he has the resume to step right in.