Miami safety Zaquan Patterson entering transfer portal

Miami lost its second player to the spring transfer portal with safety Zaquan Patterson following defensive tackle Joshua Horton on Monday. Patterson played in all 13 games for Miami as a true freshman with one start. Patterson was projected to at least compete to be a starter in 2025.

Patterson had 19 tackles, three pass breakups and three passes defended in 2023. In a loaded 2024 Miami class that was fourth nationally in the 247Sports composite rankings, Patterson was the fourth-highest-ranked signee overall and on defense and the top defensive back.

Patterson is a local star who played at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. As a true freshman in 2024, Patterson played 159 defensive snaps, according to David Lake of Inside the U. Patterson's role with Miami as a freshman increased throughout the season, culminating with five tackles versus Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.

Miami added freshman All-American Zechariah Poyser from Jacksonville State as a transfer for 2025. The addition of Poyser might have played a role in Patterson transferring, even though some projections had him as a starter.

With Patterson entering the transfer portal, veteran Markeith Williams and rising sophomore Dylan Day are projected to have the inside track to start next to Poyser as the roster currently stands. Freshman Fitzgerald, Bryce, could also have a chance to challenge for snaps this season.

Miami could seek to add a veteran safety with starting experience and a proven track record of production through the transfer portal. The spring transfer portal opens officially on Wednesday and runs through April 25. Miami added 11 transfers in the winter portal cycle, with five in the secondary.

Cornerbacks Charles Brantley, Emmanuel Karnley, Xavier Lucas and Ethan O'Connor joined Miami through the winter transfer portal. The secondary will have a very different look for Miami in 2025 and even more so with Patterson deciding to enter the transfer portal.