Miami Hurricanes defensive back Xavier Lucas (6) gestures during practice at the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility on the University of Miami campus in Coral Gables, Florida, on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
PHOTO BY AL DIAZ
adiaz@miamiherald.com
The No. 4 Miami Hurricanes gave a brief sense of optimism that starting cornerback Xavier Lucas could return this week when UM plays at the Clemson Tigers on Saturday (7:30 p.m., ABC).
About that…
The Hurricanes on Friday downgraded Lucas from questionable to out, according to the latest availability report from the ACC on Friday.
Miami (4-0, 2-0 ACC) has been playing without three of its top cornerbacks basically all season. Starters Lucas and OJ Frederique have out since sustaining undisclosed injuries during the season opener at Stanford, while sophomore reserve Ja’Boree Antoine has been out since before the season began.
Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal on Monday said Lucas was “getting closer” to returning to game action.
In their absence, the trio of Ethan O’Connor, Damari Brown and safety Bryce Fitzgerald have been Miami’s primary outside cornerbacks.
Meanwhile, linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin has been upgraded to probable after initially being listed as questionable.
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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.