When the Miami Hurricanes landed Keionte Scott out of the transfer portal last year, a lot of people weren't sure why head coach Mario Cristobal had targeted him as a recruit.
Scott was a three-star prospect in the portal and was the No. 85 defensive back available, not exactly the normal highly-rated target for the Canes.
Since then, Scott has become an undeniable star, most recently picking off Ohio State's Julian Sayin in a win-cementing defensive move in the College Football Playoff.
Mario Cristobal knew what recruiting experts didn’t
Clearly, Scott was unbelievably underrated in the transfer portal, and Cristobal’s belief in the veteran defensive back has undeniably paid off.
This season, Scott has earned a career high in nearly every single stat column, including total tackles (58), solo tackles (37), pass deflections (5), sacks (5), forced fumbles (2), interceptions (2), yards after an interceptions (110), and touchdowns after an interception (2).
Boy, oh boy, did everyone miss out when they overlooked Scott after his first three years of collegiate football, which he played for the Auburn Tigers.
Keionte Scott
— Grant Reacts (@GrantReacts1) January 4, 2026
-3 Star in the Transfer Portal
-Ranked as the 85th best CB pic.twitter.com/fdZQuoaV1Y
During his three seasons for the Tigers, he earned just 113 total tackles (86 solo), eight pass deflections, one sack, and one interception.
Whether it’s Scott’s increased experience, Cristobal’s coaching, defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman’s schemes, or defensive pass game coordinator Zac Etheridge’s leadership, Scott was a steal from the transfer portal.
As the Hurricanes navigate this year’s portal (alongside the rest of the College Football Playoff), it shouldn’t come as a surprise if Cristobal and his staff land even more underrated transfer stars.