As we patiently wait for Mario Cristobal to release the depth chart for Friday's opener against Stanford, there are still a few positions that are in question.
The Miami Hurricanes are deep with talent and that's a very good thing. They are also inexperienced in some areas and that could be a cause for Cristobal's apprehension when it comes to putting too much out there too soon. It also should be said that even when the depth chart is released, it isn't set in stone and doesn't determine the frequency of the rotation.
Here are the four positions we're still watching for potential movement:
Depth Chart Talk with Head Coach Mario Cristobal
— C2 the Coach (@c2thecoach) August 31, 2026
Week by week bases “keep them on their toes” - @coach_cristobal @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/TPoJAiu1OT
Starting guard (left and right)
Players in the mix: Seuseu Alofaituli, Jackson Cantwell, Ben Congdon and Max Buchanan
Nothing is set here, but there's good confidence that Alofaituli will take one of the starting spots. Cantwell's status as the top offensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class has made him the popular pick for the other starting spot, but Congdon has been a big surprise during camp and Buchanan is also in the mix. It wouldn't be a surprise if we don't know who the starting guards will be until the gameday depth chart is disclosed.
No. 3 wide receiver
Players in the mix: Vandrevius Jacobs, Joshua Moore, Daylyn Upshaw and Somourian Wingo
Jacobs has the experience and proven production from his time at South Carolina and Florida State. Moore has the biggest upside and was a solid contributor as a true freshman last season. Upshaw and Wingo are keeping the pressure on. All four players will get some time and Upshaw might also see the field in the slot as well. All four players will get on the field Friday night in some capacity.
No. 3 running back
Players in the mix: Jordan Lyle, Girard Pringle and Javian Mallory
This would be Lyle's spot if not for his recent slip up off the field. Cristobal has remained tight-lipped about his status, telling the media that he's "letting everything run their process." Pringle seems like the forgotten man, but he did start some games last season when Mark Fletcher was unavailable with injuries. It's possible that Chris Wheatley-Humphrey could also find his way into the mix as well.
Starting defensive end
Players in the mix: Armondo Blount and Marquise Lightfoot
The rest of the defensive line starters — Damon Wilson II, Justin Scott and Ahmad Moten Sr. are all pretty much set. But Miami has a decision to make on the opposite side of Wilson. Do they go with the lighter, quicker Lightfoot, who should level up as a pass-rusher this year and possibly sacrifice some run defense, or go with the most all-around talent in Blount, who isn't as explosive off the edge as Lightfoot, but will stand up against the run?
There's not a wrong answer here and Blount will shine anywhere on the line because he's so versatile. It's a good problem to have going into the start of the season.
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