The Miami Hurricanes’ freshman class has a pair of advantages that haven’t been afforded to classes of the past.
First, players who enrolled for the spring semester — everyone but linebacker Karsten Busch, who joined the team this summer — was able to practice with the Hurricanes throughout the team’s College Football Playoff run, which ended in the national championship game.
Second, they are the first class that will be part of the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model, which allows players to participate in five seasons across a five-year cycle that begins with either their college enrollment or when they turn 19 (whichever comes first).
The former gave the group the insight of what practices will look like during the season in addition to having a full spring and fall practice schedule ahead of the season, which starts Sept. 4 at Stanford.
The latter gives Miami’s coaching staff more freedom with deploying first-year players without risking a year of eligibility. Players used to only have four years of eligibility over five years (a span that could extend with successful medical waivers) and could receive a redshirt to preserve a year of eligibility if they participated in no more than four regular-season games in a season.
Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal has shown he’s not afraid to play freshmen if they are able to immediately benefit the team. Now that preserving eligibility isn’t a factor when it comes to playing time, more opportunities could pop up for first-year Miami players if they prove they have earned it.
With all this in mind, which members of Miami’s 30-player 2026 recruiting class, one that ranked ninth nationally by 247Sports, have the best chances to see the field this season?
Here are six to note. All rankings are based on the 247Sports composite.
Offensive lineman Jackson Cantwell
Cantwell was the top signee from Miami’s Class of 2026, ranking as the No. 2 overall prospect this recruiting cycle.
The Hurricanes are also replacing four starters on the offensive line, and Cantwell has impressed his coaches and teammates since stepping on campus. He served primarily as Miami’s first-team left tackle at spring but is also working at guard during fall practices.
He’s a likely candidate to be on the starting offensive line when the season begins. If that’s not the case, expect him to work his way into that role at some point during the season.
While Cantwell is the main name to watch among freshmen offensive linemen, keep an eye on Ben Congdon, too.
Safety JJ Dunnigan
Bryce Fitzgerald led the Hurricanes and was tied for second nationally with six interceptions as a true freshman last year despite only having a part-time role on the defense for most of the season. The Hurricanes used him in select packages that were set up for him to best be successful in his first season.
Dunnigan looks like he could be set up for a similar role this season. The four-star prospect was the 12th-ranked safety nationally in the Class of 2026 and has turned heads at practice. He’s on his way to potentially being Miami’s No. 3 safety this season.
Running back Javian Mallory
Mark Fletcher Jr. ran for 514 yards and five touchdowns as a true freshman in 2023. Jordan Lyle had 409 yards and four touchdowns as a true freshman in 2024. Girard Pringle Jr. had 375 yards and four touchdowns as a true freshman in 2025.
Why not keep that train going with Mallory this season? The former West Boca High star has all the tools to make an impact in his first season.
The only thing that would hold him back? All three of those other running backs mentioned — plus CharMar “Marty” Brown — are on the roster, so Mallory will need to make the most of whatever opportunities he gets early to show he can be of use this year.
Tight ends Gavin Mueller and Israel Briggs
The Hurricanes’ tight end room took a hit with sophomore Luka Gilbert out for the season. Junior Elija Lofton is the only proven tight end at the collegiate level. This opens the door for both Mueller and Briggs, a pair of four-star prospects, to see the field early.
Mueller has size among the two, which should help him when it comes to the blocking roles. Briggs is the more natural pass catcher, a role that suits Lofton’s strengths.
Cornerback Camdin Portis
Portis, a four-star prospect and the son of former Hurricanes great Clinton Portis, has the chance to get onto the field as a nickel corner. While he won’t start — either Fitzgerald or Boston College transfer Omar Thornton will likely handle that role, with the other starting at safety — Portis is making the case to get playing time on a rotational basis.
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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.