Defensive back Brent Austin visited the University of Miami on Monday as he explores transfer options following a strong 2024 season with the South Florida Bulls.
Austin began his collegiate career at James Madison University. In 2022, he appeared in five games and recorded eight total tackles. In 2023, he played in 11 games and tallied 12 total tackles, one interception, and one pass breakup. JMU finished 11-2 in that year.
Austin transferred to USF in the spring of 2024 and made an immediate impact. He amassed 48 tackles (36 of them solo), two interceptions (one for a touchdown), and 11 pass breakups. His notable performances include: Six tackles against Alabama, seven tackles and two pass breakups versus UAB, and a pick-six at Charlotte. Standing at 5'11" and weighing 180 pounds, Austin is capable of playing both cornerback and nickel positions.
The Miami Hurricanes, under head coach Mario Cristobal and CB coach Zac Etheridge, have been aggressive in the current transfer portal window. On Tuesday night, Miami gave Houston transfer, DB AJ Haulcy, their best pitch with Rick Ross in attendance for a dinner in South Beach. Austin probably didn't get that same attention, but he could be a good option for the Canes, especially if they miss out on Haulcy.
Austin has also drawn some attention from Tennessee, which creates an interesting dynamic. The Volunteers lost two DB's recently, Christian Charles and JaKobe Thomas, to the transfer portal. Both players were linked to Miami and Thomas visited on Wednesday. There could be a little musical chairs going on once Haulcy announces his commitment.
Looking at the secondary possibilities for Miami, they currently appear to be in play for the following: Charles and Thomas out of Tennessee, Keionte Scott out of Auburn/Houston, AJ Haulcy out of Houston, and Brent Austin out of USF.