The Miami Hurricanes have found ways to remain on top of the world after losing to Indiana in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
The taste is still in Miami’s mouth. Moreover, with a retooled roster and the return of many star veterans, the Hurricanes have the tools to run it back to the College Football Playoff and make a run for another National Championship.
Moreover, with their depth, there is a chance for more star players to grow this season and make a name for themselves.
Projected Depth Chart:QUARTERBACK
Jul 15, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami quarterback Darian Mensah speaks to the media during ACC Media Days at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
1. Darian Mensah
2. Luke Nickel
RUNNING BACK
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back CharMar Brown (6) is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Rolijah Hardy (21) during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
1. Mark Fletcher
2. CharMar Brown
3A. Girard Pringle
3B. Jordan Lyle
WIDE RECEIVER
Nov 8, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw (15) rushes after a reception against the Syracuse Orange during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Romance-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
X Receiver: Cooper Barkate, Vandrevius Jacobs or Somourian Wingo
Z Receiver: Daylyn Upshaw, Josh Moore or Cam Vaughn
Y: Malachi Toney, Daylyn Upshaw
TIGHT END
Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Elija Lofton (9) runs the ball against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
1. Elija Lofton
2. Gavin Mueller
OFFENSIVE LINE
Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Samson Okunlola (63) gets into position during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Left Tackle: Jackson Cantwell, Joel Ervin
Left Guard: Samson Okunlola or SJ Alofaituli
Center: Ryan Rodriguez, SJ Alofaituli or Max Buchanan
Right Guard: Max Buchanan or Ben Congdon
Right Tackle: Matthew McCoy, Jaden Wilkerson or Jamal Meriweather or Joel Ervin
DEFENSIVE LINE
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Ahmad Moten Sr. (99) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Defensive End: Armondo Blount, Hayden Lowe
Defensive Tackle: Justin Scott, Keona Davis
Defensive Tackle: Ahmad Moten, Jarquez Carter
Defensive End: Damon Wilson, Marquise Lightfoot
LINEBACKER
Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes linebacker Chase Smith (41) against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Weak-side Linebacker: Chase Smith, Bobby Pruitt
Middle Linebacker: Mo Toure, Kamal Bonner
SECONDARY
Miami’s Jakobe Thomas (8) and Bryce Fitzgerald (13) get the crowd hyped during the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Cornerback: OJ Frederique, Ethan O’Connor
Safety: Bryce Fitzgerald or Omar Thornton, Dylan Day
Safety: Zechariah Poyser, JJ Dunnigan
Cornerback: Xavier Lucas, Damari Brown or Jaboree Antoine
Nickel: Omar Thornton or Bryce Fitzgerald, Camdin Portis
Who Can Make the Jump?
Nov 8, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Jordan Lyle (2) rushes the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Romance-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It’s clear with the talent on the roster that a name might pop up as one of the best players on the team.
Take Jordan Lyle, for instance. He has been touted as one of the best backs in the running back room for the past two seasons, but injuries have held him back from what he could truly be. This could be the season that he was waiting on, as well as everyone else.
Another player to keep an eye on is Hayden Lowe. The former five-star recruit would have seen playing time last season had he not been hurt and continues to have high praise from around the coaching staff.
A final one is in the linebacker room. This season, two super veteran players headline it. However, a player like Bobby Pruitt, who has grown into a powerful hitter and is becoming a great coverage player, could add to the fold of an exciting defense.
Fall Camp is approaching, and that doesn’t change what has already been seen, but at any moment, any player can jump up the list.
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