The transfers of quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Cooper Barkate have pushed the Miami portal class into the top five. Barkate and Mensah join edge rusher Damon Wilson and defensive lineman Keona Davis as highlighting the 2026 Miami transfer class.
The late surge by Miami jolted the 2026 Transfer Portal rankings. LSU, Mississippi and Texas are the only 2026 transfer classes ranked ahead of Miami. Wilson is eighth ranked 2026 transfer, Mensah 16th and Davis 83rd in the 247Sports composite transfer rankings.
Miami has 12 total transfer commits for 2026. The Hurricanes ranked outside of the top 50 transfer classes before the additions of Barkate, Mensah and Wilson. The addition of Wilson moved Miami into the top 30. Barkate and Mensah transferring to Miami moved the Hurricanes' 2026 transfer class to fourth nationally.
With an average ranking of 89.50 per commit, Miami is first nationally among programs with at least 10 transfer commitments. Miami has the highest-ranked transfer class in the ACC, despite Clemson and Stanford being the only programs with fewer portal additions.
Miami finished with a top 5 Transfer Portal class.
— Alex Donno (@AlexDonno) January 29, 2026
Not only that, but they managed to retain key players who chose another year at THE U over the NFL Draft or the Transfer Portal.
The importance of roster retention does not get talked about enough. @LockedOnCanes pic.twitter.com/0HkxUwaAUj
Where 2026 Miami Transfer Portal additions fit
Mensah becomes the third consecutive high-profile transfer QB Miami has added after 2024 Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward and Carson Beck led Miami to an appearance in the National Championship Game. Barkate led Duke with 72 receptions for 1,106 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025.
Miami added seven four-star transfers and five three-stars. Wide receiver was a clear target for Miami with Barkate, Vandrevius Jacobs and Cam Vaughn all expected to be contributors for Miami in 2026. The secondary was another area Miami targeted with the additions of Conrad Hussey and Omar Thornton.
Offensive tackle Jamal Meriweather adds depth and Miami added kickers Jack Olsen and Jake Weinberg to replace Carter Davis. Although not a big class, Miami has proven the ability to develop the transfer additions and for them to make an impact.