A peek at the 2025 depth chart for Miami’s “most talented”

The Miami Hurricanes are currently in the midst of an exciting period of transformation under head coach Mario Cristobal. With his relentless recruiting efforts and a clear focus on restoring the program to national prominence, the Hurricanes are poised to make waves in the college football landscape. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, it’s clear that Miami’s talent pool is overflowing, particularly with some key contributors who are ready to step up and lead the team. The 2025 depth chart is shaping up to be one of the most talented the program has had in years, with depth across all positions, from the trenches to the skill positions.

Miami’s “most talented” two-deep is a result of both stellar recruiting and player development. With a number of highly-ranked recruits and established starters, Miami’s roster looks stacked on paper. The depth chart not only reflects the talent influx under Cristobal’s watch, but it also showcases a blend of experienced upperclassmen and rising young stars, all of whom are hungry to return the Hurricanes to their rightful place at the top of college football.

Offensive Depth Chart: A Dynamic, Multi-Dimensional Attack

Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, Miami’s offense will be a multifaceted unit with an emphasis on speed, versatility, and physicality. While the Hurricanes’ offensive depth chart for 2025 may evolve as the season progresses, several positions are already well-stocked with talent, ensuring Miami can put forth an explosive and well-balanced attack.

Quarterback

The quarterback position for Miami is one of the most intriguing spots on the depth chart heading into the 2025 season. Miami is fortunate to have two talented quarterbacks competing for the starting job, both capable of leading the offense to success.

1. Tyler Van Dyke (Senior) – After an up-and-down 2023 season, Tyler Van Dyke enters his final year with the Hurricanes primed for a bounce-back performance. Van Dyke, once considered a Heisman contender after a stellar 2022 season, has the arm strength, leadership, and poise to elevate Miami’s offense. As a senior, he is expected to have more consistency and maturity under his belt, making him one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the ACC.
2. Jaden Rashada (Sophomore) – Rashada was one of Miami’s prized recruits in the 2024 class, and his development will be closely watched. Known for his dynamic arm talent, mobility, and ability to read defenses, Rashada has all the tools to be a future star. While it may take some time for him to fully adjust to the speed of the college game, his potential to eventually take over the offense as a dual-threat quarterback is undeniable.

Running Back

Miami has a deep and dynamic running back room that will allow them to attack defenses from all angles in 2025. The backfield will feature a combination of power runners and elusive playmakers capable of making defenders miss in space.

1. Don Chaney Jr. (Junior) – Chaney has had an injury-plagued career thus far, but he is undoubtedly one of the most talented backs on the roster when healthy. A powerful, downhill runner with breakaway speed, Chaney will be counted on to anchor Miami’s ground game in 2025. If he can stay healthy, he could be a true workhorse for the Hurricanes, capable of logging heavy carries in key moments.
2. Jaylan Knighton (Junior) – Knighton is a lightning-fast playmaker who has the ability to take any handoff the distance. His vision, agility, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field make him a dangerous threat on every touch. Knighton will likely feature heavily in Miami’s passing game as well, making him a dual-threat option out of the backfield.
3. Mark Fletcher (Freshman) – Fletcher, one of the top running back recruits in the nation, brings a rare blend of size and speed to the position. Standing at 6’0” and weighing over 215 pounds, Fletcher is a physical runner capable of bulldozing through defenders while also showing impressive burst. He is likely to get significant playing time as a freshman and could quickly become a key contributor in Miami’s offense.

Wide Receiver

Miami’s wide receiver room is a bright spot on the 2025 roster, with a blend of established veterans and young stars ready to make their mark. The Hurricanes have the weapons to stretch the field vertically, attack the middle, and exploit mismatches in the secondary.

1. Xavier Restrepo (Senior) – Restrepo is arguably the most reliable wide receiver on the team. His ability to create separation, run precise routes, and make contested catches in clutch moments has earned him a reputation as one of the best in the ACC. Restrepo will be expected to play a key role as a senior leader in the receiver corps in 2025.
2. Brashard Smith (Junior) – Smith is a dynamic, speedy playmaker who can turn any catch into a touchdown. A potential breakout candidate in 2025, Smith’s quickness and agility make him dangerous after the catch. He’s also capable of contributing in special teams, giving the Hurricanes a dual threat on offense and in the return game.
3. Tyler Harrell (Senior) – Harrell is an experienced deep threat with blazing speed. His ability to stretch the field and take the top off defenses makes him an invaluable asset in offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson’s system. Look for Harrell to be a key piece in Miami’s vertical passing game.
4. Brandon Innes (Freshman) – Innes, one of the most highly-touted recruits in Miami’s 2025 class, is a versatile wideout who can operate both on the outside and in the slot. His exceptional route running, hands, and ability to make plays in traffic make him a potential star in Miami’s offense sooner rather than later.

Offensive Line

The offensive line is one area where Miami has made significant strides under Cristobal’s leadership. With a mixture of experienced players and talented young recruits, the Hurricanes’ offensive line will be key to the success of the offense in 2025.

1. Zion Nelson (Senior) – Nelson is one of the top left tackles in college football. With his impressive size, technique, and athleticism, Nelson has the potential to be a first-round draft pick in 2025. His leadership on the line will be crucial in keeping quarterbacks protected and opening up lanes for the running game.
2. Jalen Rivers (Junior) – Rivers is another standout player on the offensive line. A versatile interior lineman, Rivers has the strength and agility to dominate in both the run and pass game. He is expected to be a key contributor as a starting guard for the Hurricanes in 2025.
3. Francis Mauigoa (Freshman) – Mauigoa, a massive and highly-touted freshman from the 2025 recruiting class, is expected to be an immediate contributor. His size and strength give him the potential to be a future star on the offensive line for Miami. Mauigoa will likely see playing time early in his career, potentially as a starting right tackle.

Defensive Depth Chart: Speed, Aggression, and Toughness

Miami’s defense has the potential to be one of the most dangerous in college football by 2025, with a mix of experienced upperclassmen and emerging young stars. Under defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, the Hurricanes’ defense is built on speed, aggression, and physicality. The following players will play key roles in getting the Miami defense back to prominence.

Defensive Line

1. Leonard Taylor (Junior) – Taylor is one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the ACC. His ability to disrupt the backfield and collapse the pocket makes him a player to watch in 2025. Taylor’s explosiveness and strength make him a future NFL prospect.
2. Akeem Mesidor (Senior) – Mesidor has been a consistent force for Miami’s defensive line since his arrival. A veteran presence who can rush the passer and stop the run, Mesidor will be expected to lead Miami’s defensive front in 2025.

Linebackers

1. Francis Chukwudebelu (Junior) – Chukwudebelu is an athletic linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range. Known for his physicality, he is a key cog in Miami’s defensive scheme and will be counted on to make plays against both the run and pass in 2025.
2. Wayne Madkins Jr. (Sophomore) – Madkins is a rising star who impressed in his freshman season. His high motor, combined with his natural football instincts, gives him the potential to be one of Miami’s top defensive players moving forward.

Secondary

1. James Williams (Junior) – Williams is one of the best safeties in the country. His ability to cover ground, make tackles, and create turnovers makes him an essential part of Miami’s defensive backfield. His leadership in the secondary will be crucial for Miami’s defense in 2025.
2. Tyrique Stevenson (Senior) – Stevenson, an experienced cornerback with elite ball skills, will help lead a Miami secondary that’s capable of locking down opponents. Expect him to play a critical role as a leader in the defensive backfield.