The Miami Hurricanes added several new players in the recently concluded 2026 College Football Transfer Portal window, continuing a roster-building approach that has relied heavily on experienced transfers in recent seasons. The additions span multiple position groups and provide the Hurricanes with immediate capabilities, while also addressing specific areas of need identified during the 2025 campaign.
Some of the incoming transfers arrive with starting experience at the FBS level, while others bring rotational snaps or special teams contributions that could translate right away in Coral Gables. The portal class includes players from both Power Four programs and Group of Five schools, reflecting Miami’s willingness to evaluate production and fit, not just recruiting pedigree.
Coaches emphasized versatility and positional flexibility when evaluating portal targets, a trend that reflects broader changes in college football as a whole as roster turnover increases from year to year. Some of the new additions are expected to hit the ground running during spring and fall camps, while others will bring valuable development over the long season.
The Miami Hurricanes added several players through the transfer portal this offseason, bringing a team with a combination of local connections, experienced contributors, and depth at the position as the program prepares for the 2026 season.
Defensive lineman Harquez Carter comes over from Ohio State after spending one season with the Buckeyes. Carter, a former four-star recruit from Newberry, was targeted by the University of Miami in high school but ultimately signed with Ohio State, playing in seven games and recording one tackle during the 2025 season. His return to Florida adds additional depth to Miami’s defense.
Wide receiver Vandrevious Jacobs will transfer from South Carolina to Miami after two productive years in the SEC. Jacobs, a Vero Beach native and former four-star prospect in the 2023 class, originally signed with Florida State before transferring to South Carolina ahead of the 2024 season. After playing 273 offensive snaps in 2024, Jacobs took on an even bigger role in 2025, playing 500 snaps and recording 32 receptions for 548 yards and four touchdowns. The 6-foot, 195-pound Jacobs earned a 67.5 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus and was particularly effective as a downfield threat, earning grades of 93 or higher on throws of 10 yards or more. 247Sports gave the transfer a four-star rating.
Defensive back Omar Thornton joins the Hurricanes from Boston College and brings both experience and versatility to the secondary. Thornton, a Broward County native, won the Sun Sentinel Broward County Small School Defensive Player of the Year at American Heritage in 2023 before signing with Boston University as a three-star recruit. He played a rotation role as a freshman before becoming a full-time starter in 2025, recording 82 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception. Thornton played both nickelback and safety and made 34 defensive stops, ranking 12th in the nation. Although his missed tackle rate still has room for improvement, 247Sports gives him a four-star rating.
Wide receiver Cam Vaughn is transferring from West Virginia to Miami after emerging as a leading option for the Mountaineers. Vaughn began his college career as an under-rated quarterback at Jacksonville State University before converting to wide receiver. After a successful 2024 season, he transferred to West Virginia and finished the 2025 season with 35 receptions for 541 yards and four touchdowns. All four scores came on passes of 20 yards or more downfield. Bourne earned a 66.6 receiving grade on Pro Football Focus and posted a 92.7 grade on deep targets.
Undecided: Quarterback
Former Duke star quarterback Darian Mensah will enter the NCAA transfer portal on the final day of the window, with Miami considered one of his top choices.
With the transfer portal closed, Miami’s coaching staff will focus on integrating new players into offseason training and on-field activities. How quickly the transfer adjusts could play a key role in shaping the Hurricanes’ strength chart as preparations begin for the 2026 season.
