Miami transfer portal wishlist: Mario Cristobal has to address these 5 positions

The transfer portal window opens January 2 and, depending on the results of Wednesday night's Cotton Bowl CFP quarterfinal against Ohio State, Miami could be balancing time putting together the 2026 roster while preparing for a semifinal game.

It's going to be another busy transfer season for the Hurricanes staff as they have to continue to build on the past two years of success. Expect Miami to focus a large amount of resources on a few positions to build around some strong recruiting by focusing on these positions:

1) Starting quarterback

The Hurricanes have hit on transfer quarterbacks in consecutive seasons. Cam Ward and Carson Beck were both highly-experienced players that came into the program with at least two years of starts under their belts and provided additional leadership in the program. That seems to be the right blueprint for the Hurricanes.

Sam Leavitt is obviously one of the big names linked to the Hurricanes. He has started the past two seasons at Arizona State and has experience in the playoffs. Rocco Becht, a three-year starter at Iowa State, is another name that might not provide as much flash, but is a smart, cerebral player who fits the offense.

Updated 2026 Transfer Portal rankings: QB

2) Depth in the trenches

Mario Cristobal wants to be strong on the lines, and he focuses roster builds from the inside out. The Hurricanes are looking at losing at least three starters on the defensive line and will also need some experienced bodies on the interior offensive line at center and guard. Expect Miami to swing big for a top-end edge rusher if the opportunity presents itself.

Updated 2026 Transfer Portal rankings: DL

Updated 2026 Transfer Portal rankings: OL

3) Outside wide receiver

There's some good young wide receiver talent already in the program, but Miami won't hesitate to add a big target that has the ability to be a difference maker and big-play threat on the outside. Cam Coleman just announced his intentions to enter the portal and will be a top target for anyone looking for a big-time receiver. Omarion Miller, who plans to leave Colorado, is another player that Miami will be interested in.

Updated 2026 Transfer Portal rankings: WR

4) Starting linebacker

Miami will lose both starting linebackers. Some young players, like redshirt freshman Kellen Wiley, will have to take a big step forward, but the Hurricanes will also look for at least one experienced linebacker that can come in and hold down a starting spot.

Updated 2026 Transfer Portal rankings: LB

5) Experienced secondary depth

The defensive backfield is another area where Miami is loaded with young talent, but replacing the experience, talent and leadership that Keionte Scott and Jakobe Thomas brought to the unit is not going to be easy. Expect Miami to search for at least one plug-and-play defensive back. Could Sharif Denson make the five-hour trip down I-75 from Gainesville to Coral Gables?

Updated 2026 Transfer Portal rankings: CB