Miami football could have multiple transfer commits soon

Multiple Miami websites have reported that the Miami football program will host former Oregon State running back Damien Martinez, wide receiver Sam Brown from Houston, Michigan State defensive tackle Simeon Barrow, Louisville linebacker Jaylin Alderman and Marshall cornerback Dyani Hill in the next week.

Brown and Martinez are reportedly leaning toward Miami. A commitment from Martinez could happen quickly if the visit to Miami goes as well as expected. Brown seems the next most likely to commit to Miami eventually. Alderman and Brown have connections to the Hurricanes that could influence their decisions.

Barrow entered the transfer portal last week and visited LSU over the weekend. Florida State and Texas are reportedly among the programs trending for Barrow the most, along with LSU and Miami. After losing DT Jared Harrison-Hunte to the transfer portal on Monday, Miami needs to add depth to the position.

Miami staffers have made two in-home visits with Martinez before hosting him this weekend. The visit by Martinez to Coral Gables this weekend is his last one before he makes a decision. Arizona appears to be the biggest competition to the Hurricanes to receive a commitment from Martinez.

Brown is high on the list for Miami. The Inside the U podcast reported earlier this week that Brown and Miami quarterback Cameron Ward worked out together in Houston. Brown is a big play receiver who would be the second tallest WR on the Miami roster at 6'2 to the 6'4 Isaiah Horton.

Alderman would provide Miami with an experienced LB next to returns starters Wesley Bissainthe and Francisco Mauigoa. Miami is young behind Bissainthe and Mauigoa. Miami LBs coach Derek Nicholson signed Alderman at Louisville. Alderman has one season of eligibility remaining.

Hill played at Marshall under new Miami CBs coach Chevis Jackson in the last two seasons and Hurricanes' defensive coordinator Lance Guidry in 2022. Hill would provide depth for Miami behind the projected top three CBs Damari Brown, Darryl Porter Jr. and Jadais Richard.

Another transfer to watch is Louisville edge rusher Tyler Barron. Barron re-entered the transfer portal this spring after going from Tennessee to Louisville during the winter portal window. Miami needs depth after losing edge rushers Nyjalik Kelly and Jayden Wayne in the spring portal window.

There have not been any reports about when Barron could schedule a visit with Miami. The spring transfer portal window closes on April 30. This will be a critical weekend for Miami in the transfer portal. A commitment from Martinez will provide Miami with one of the best QB-RB tandems nationally.

Commitments from Martinez and Brown could set a foundation this spring for more transfers to be interested in Miami. Miami currently has the 34th-ranked 2024 transfer class. A commitment from Martinez should boost Miami significantly in the rankings. The next week should be interesting for Miami in the portal.