Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Marquise Lightfoot (12) pushes his way pass the line of scrimmage as Stanford Cardinal offensive lineman Niki Prongos (66) defends in the first half during their NCAA football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
PHOTO BY AL DIAZ
adiaz@miamiherald.com
The Miami Hurricanes kick off the 2026 season on Sept. 4 on the road against the Stanford Cardinal (9 p.m., ESPN).
The Miami Herald is counting down 30 of the most important players on the Hurricanes’ roster, one per day leading up to the season opener, to provide a closer look at the team heading into coach Mario Cristobal’s fifth season.
Today: The No. 17 player on our list, Marquise Lightfoot.
What to know
Position: Defensive line
Hometown: Chicago
Year: Junior
How he got to Miami: 2024 recruiting class
Key stats: 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks in 2025
In summary: A former five-star recruit, Lightfoot showcased his potential as a pass rusher in a limited role in 2025. Now, he’s slated to have an expanded role alongside Armondo Blount and Damon Wilson II as Miami looks to replace the production lost from first-round draft picks Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor.
What they’re saying
“The biggest thing I learned from both of them is their attention to detail. They let me know that you have to act like a pro now. There’s no time to be waiting. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Start now.” — Lightfoot on what he learned from Bain and Mesidor
“Marquise is fast, electric, but he’s violent as well. Just being able to play with those guys just raises my competition up and make me get better every day.” – Wilson on what stands out about Lightfoot
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Miami Herald
Jordan McPherson covers the Miami Hurricanes and Florida Panthers for the Miami Herald. He attended the University of Florida and covered the Gators athletic program for five years before joining the Herald staff in December 2017.