This spring, five Miami Hurricanes transfers are expected to draw attention.
Five Miami Hurricanes Transfers to Watch This Spring
As college football continues to evolve with the rising prominence of the transfer portal, teams like the University of Miami Hurricanes are leveraging these player transfers to bolster their rosters and gain competitive advantages. With spring practices just around the corner, several new faces have emerged as key players to watch for the 2025 season. These transfers bring a combination of experience, talent, and potential that could shape the future of Miami’s football program.
In particular, five transfers in the Miami Hurricanes’ 2025 class are expected to make a significant impact this spring. These players, coming from various programs and backgrounds, each possess distinct skill sets that will add depth and strength to Miami’s lineup. As the Hurricanes aim to rebuild their program and compete at the highest level, these transfers could play pivotal roles in achieving those goals.
1. Jaden Rashada – Quarterback
One of the most significant and anticipated transfers this spring is quarterback Jaden Rashada. Rashada, a highly touted recruit in the 2023 class, committed to Miami after a whirlwind recruitment process that saw him initially sign with Florida, only to transfer to Miami in the wake of some uncertainty surrounding NIL deals and recruitment controversies at other schools.
Background and Transfer Significance:
Rashada is a 6’4″, 185-pound quarterback with a strong arm and impressive mobility for his size. In high school, he demonstrated the ability to make all the throws required at the college level, with excellent mechanics and vision. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure is something that Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson are looking to exploit.
At Miami, Rashada finds himself in a highly competitive quarterback room. With returning quarterback Tyler Van Dyke having a solid yet unspectacular tenure as the starter, Rashada could very well push for immediate playing time. His dynamic style and ability to stretch the field could make him the perfect fit for Dawson’s up-tempo, pass-heavy offense.
What to Expect This Spring:
Rashada’s performance in spring practice will be critical. He’ll have to learn the playbook quickly, develop chemistry with Miami’s wide receivers, and prove that he can handle the pressures of competing for a starting role in a Power Five program. His arm strength and deep-ball accuracy will likely be on display throughout the spring, and many will be watching to see how well he adapts to the pace of college football.
Given the competition at quarterback, it’s possible that Rashada could be a redshirt candidate if he’s not yet ready for the starting job, but his potential to develop into Miami’s quarterback of the future makes him one to watch closely this spring.
2. Jahmyr Gibbs – Running Back
The Miami Hurricanes’ backfield will receive a boost this spring with the addition of former Georgia Tech running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs, who is coming off a solid career at Georgia Tech, enters Miami with a wealth of experience and a reputation as one of the most explosive running backs in the ACC. His blend of speed, vision, and elusiveness gives the Hurricanes a versatile option out of the backfield.
Background and Transfer Significance:
At Georgia Tech, Gibbs quickly became one of the team’s most dynamic offensive weapons. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in multiple seasons and was a consistent threat both as a runner and a receiver. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield will be especially valuable to Miami’s offense, providing a reliable outlet for the quarterbacks.
Gibbs’s addition to the Miami roster is significant because the Hurricanes have been looking to improve their ground game. While they have talented backs, including Henry Parrish Jr. and Don Chaney Jr., Gibbs offers a different dimension with his breakaway speed and ability to make defenders miss in the open field.
What to Expect This Spring:
Expect Gibbs to immediately compete for the starting running back spot. His speed and ability to play on all three downs will be crucial to Miami’s offensive game plan. Spring practices will give him an opportunity to establish himself in the offense, build rapport with the offensive line, and show that he can be a game-changer for the Hurricanes.
If Gibbs can replicate his success from Georgia Tech, he could be one of the most dangerous playmakers in the ACC this season.
3. Tyler Harrell – Wide Receiver
Wide receiver Tyler Harrell’s transfer to Miami brings a much-needed boost to the Hurricanes’ receiving corps. Harrell, formerly of Alabama, was known for his blazing speed and ability to stretch the field as a deep-threat weapon. He’ll add another dimension to an offense that has struggled to consistently generate explosive plays downfield.
Background and Transfer Significance:
Harrell’s time at Alabama was somewhat limited, as he played behind a deep group of talented receivers. However, his time in Tuscaloosa helped him develop under one of the best coaching staffs in college football. He is known for his speed, which is among the fastest in college football, and his ability to take the top off defenses with his deep-ball threat.
For Miami, Harrell is the kind of weapon they need in an offense that will rely on explosive plays. His ability to get behind defenders and make big catches could change the way opposing defenses approach the Hurricanes’ offense.
What to Expect This Spring:
During the spring, Harrell will need to prove that his speed translates to consistent production in games. Miami’s quarterbacks will need to develop chemistry with Harrell, as his deep-threat ability will require precise timing and chemistry with the quarterback.
If Harrell can stay healthy and develop into a go-to option in the passing game, he could become one of the most dangerous receivers in the ACC, giving the Hurricanes a vertical element they’ve lacked in recent years.
4. Tyrique Stevenson – Cornerback
Tyrique Stevenson’s return to Miami is a significant development for the Hurricanes’ defense. After transferring to Georgia and winning a national championship, Stevenson is coming back to Miami with added experience and championship pedigree. A native of Miami, Stevenson had previously played for the Hurricanes before leaving for Georgia, and his return provides Miami’s defense with an experienced leader in the secondary.
Background and Transfer Significance:
Stevenson’s first stint at Miami was productive, as he played both cornerback and safety and showed a physical, aggressive style of play. At Georgia, he helped anchor one of the top defenses in the nation, showcasing his ability to cover wide receivers, play physical at the line of scrimmage, and support the run defense.
His return is crucial for a Miami defense that has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency in recent seasons. Stevenson brings stability and leadership to a secondary that will be looking to improve under new defensive coordinator Lance Guidry.
What to Expect This Spring:
Stevenson’s spring performance will be closely monitored, as he’ll be expected to take a leadership role in the secondary. He’ll likely compete for a starting role at cornerback, where his experience in big-game situations will be invaluable.
If Stevenson can regain his form from his time at Georgia and combine it with his previous experience at Miami, he could be one of the best defensive backs in the ACC, helping to solidify Miami’s secondary.
5. Akeem Mesidor – Defensive Lineman
Akeem Mesidor’s transfer from West Virginia was one of the biggest defensive signings for Miami in recent years. Mesidor, a versatile defensive lineman who can play both inside and on the edge, will be a key piece in Miami’s defensive front as they look to improve their pass rush and run defense.
Background and Transfer Significance:
At West Virginia, Mesidor was a disruptive force along the defensive line, earning recognition as one of the top defensive linemen in the Big 12. His ability to rush the passer and create havoc in the backfield will be a key asset for Miami’s defense. Mesidor’s size, strength, and quickness allow him to excel in various defensive schemes, and his leadership will be valuable for the Hurricanes’ young defensive players.
What to Expect This Spring:
Mesidor will have the opportunity to cement his place as a leader on the defensive line during spring practices. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and stop the run will be essential for Miami, especially in a division that features high-powered offenses.
If Mesidor can live up to his potential, he could become one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the ACC, providing Miami with a much-needed edge rusher to complement their other defensive talents.
