The Miami Hurricanes added several new players during the recently concluded 2026 college football transfer portal window, continuing a roster-building approach that has leaned heavily on experienced transfers in recent seasons. The additions span multiple position groups, giving the Hurricanes immediate depth while also addressing specific areas of need identified during the 2025 campaign.
Several of the incoming transfers arrive with prior starting experience at the FBS level, while others bring rotational snaps or special teams contributions that could translate quickly 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 over recruiting pedigree alone.
Coaches emphasized versatility and positional flexibility when evaluating portal targets, a trend that mirrors broader shifts across college football as rosters experience more year-to-year turnover. Some of the new additions are expected to compete for immediate playing time during spring and fall camp, while others provide developmental depth that could prove valuable over the course of a long season.
The Miami Hurricanes added several players through the transfer portal this offseason, bringing in a mix of local ties, experienced contributors, and positional depth as the program prepares for the 2026 season.
Defensive lineman Jarquez Carter arrives from Ohio State after spending one season with the Buckeyes. A Newberry native and former four-star recruit, Carter was previously targeted by Miami out of high school but ultimately signed with Ohio State, where he appeared in seven games and recorded one tackle during the 2025 season. His return to Florida gives Miami additional depth along the defensive front.
Wide receiver Vandrevius Jacobs transfers to Miami from South Carolina after a productive two-year stretch in the SEC. A Vero Beach native and former four-star prospect in the 2023 class, Jacobs originally signed with Florida State before transferring to South Carolina ahead of the 2024 season. After playing 273 offensive snaps in 2024, Jacobs saw a larger role in 2025, logging 500 snaps and finishing with 32 receptions for 548 yards and four touchdowns. Listed at 6-foot and 195 pounds, Jacobs earned a 67.5 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus and was especially effective as a downfield threat, grading above 93 on throws of 10 yards or more. He was rated a four-star transfer by 247Sports.
Defensive back Omar Thornton joins the Hurricanes from Boston College, bringing both experience and versatility to the secondary. A Broward County native, Thornton earned Sun Sentinel Broward County small schools defensive player of the year honors in 2023 at American Heritage before signing with Boston College as a three-star recruit. He played a rotational role as a freshman before becoming a full-time starter in 2025, when he recorded 82 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception. Thornton played both nickelback and safety and was credited with 34 defensive stops, ranking 12th nationally. While his missed-tackle rate remains an area for improvement, he was still rated a four-star transfer by 247Sports.
Wide receiver Cam Vaughn transfers to Miami from West Virginia after emerging as a deep-threat option for the Mountaineers. Vaughn began his college career as an unrated quarterback at Jacksonville State before converting to wide receiver. Following a strong 2024 season, he transferred to West Virginia, where he 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. Vaughn earned a 66.6 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus and posted a 92.7 grade on deep targets.
TO BE DETERMINED: QUARTERBACK
Former Duke star quarterback Darian Mensah entered the NCAA transfer portal on the final day of the window, and Miami is considered one of the top potential destinations for him.
.With the transfer portal now closed, Miami’s coaching staff will turn its focus toward integrating the new arrivals into offseason workouts and on-field installations. How quickly the transfers acclimate could play a key role in shaping the Hurricanes’ depth chart as preparations begin for the 2026 season.
