Miami is still chasing a national title in the CFP, but the sport of college football is year-round now. The quarterback market is about to be crazy when the January portal window opens Jan. 2 and runs through Jan. 16.
Because Miami has already shown a willingness to go shopping at QB, from landing Carson Beck and Cam Ward, let's take a look at the best options to end up being the Hurricanes' 2026 starter.
Honorable mention: Josh Hoover, TCU
Hoover is absolutely a real option and a proven producer. Stat-wise, he threw for 3,472 yards and 29 TDs in 2025, but he also had 13 interceptions. If Miami goes to the portal and wants a proven starter, he belongs in the conversation. But, some fans might be right to argue that the upside isn't enough to pass up the younger QB's who are already on the roster.
No. 5: DJ Lagway, Florida
Lagway is the ultimate upside play. In 2025 he ended with 2,264 passing yards, 16 TDs and 14 interceptions. If Miami and OC Shannon Dawson think they can make Lagway into the player he was supposed to be this season then go for it. If there is some doubt on whether that potential can be unlocked in Coral Gables, then it's probably best to look elsewhere. But again, the ceiling is high with Lagway.
No. 4: Byrum Brown, South Florida
If Miami wants a QB who can stress defenses with both legs and arm, Brown is right there. Brown's 2025 season included 3,158 passing yards and 1,008 rushing yards, giving him one of the better seasons among the QB's on this list. The question for Miami is fit and cost, but the floor is attractive.
No. 3: Dylan Raiola, Nebraska
Raiola has two seasons of eligibility remaining and in 2025 he logged 2,000 yards, 18 TDs and six interceptions. Raiola clearly has NFL aspirations and Miami would be able to take him to another level. One of the biggest things in Raiola's favor is the amount of games started already. Raiola is a proven starter and that could be something that Miami weighs heavily during their search.
No. 2: Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
Leavitt is the rare portal QB who has a high ceiling and already has CFP experience. His 2025 season was derailed by a foot injury that required surgery, but even with the shortened year, he posted 1,628 passing yards, 10 TDs and only three interceptions.
In 2024, he threw for 2,610 yards with 21 TDs and six picks and added 401 rushing yards and five rushing TDs. If you're Miami and want the QB most qualified for the job, there is nobody available with as much on the resume as Leavitt.
No. 1: Drew Mestemaker, North Texas
Mestemaker is the headliner for a lot of Power 4 programs, not just Miami. He's been on the radar for tons of Power 4 front offices and could be one of the highest-paid QBs in this cycle. Mestemaker led the nation in passing yards (4,379) and passing TDs (34) this season, with nine picks.
Mestemaker is a true sophomore and if he plays well he might go to the NFL, but if it just doesn't make sense at that time, then the Canes would have one of the best QB's in college football for two straight seasons.