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The Miami Hurricanes\u2019 freshman class has a pair of advantages that haven\u2019t been afforded to classes of the past.<\/p>\n
First, players who enrolled for the spring semester \u2014 everyone but linebacker Karsten Busch, who joined the team this summer \u2014 was able to practice with the Hurricanes throughout the team\u2019s College Football Playoff run, which ended in the national championship game.<\/p>\n
Second, they are the first class that will be part of the NCAA\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The latter gives Miami\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal has shown he\u2019s not afraid to play freshmen if they are able to immediately benefit the team. Now that preserving eligibility isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
With all this in mind, which members of Miami\u2019s 30-player 2026 recruiting class, one that ranked ninth nationally by 247Sports, have the best chances to see the field this season?<\/p>\n
Here are six to note. All rankings are based on the 247Sports composite.<\/p>\n
Offensive lineman Jackson Cantwell<\/p>\n
Cantwell was the top signee from Miami\u2019s Class of 2026, ranking as the No. 2 overall prospect this recruiting cycle.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s first-team left tackle at spring but is also working at guard during fall practices.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s a likely candidate to be on the starting offensive line when the season begins. If that\u2019s not the case, expect him to work his way into that role at some point during the season.<\/p>\n
While Cantwell is the main name to watch among freshmen offensive linemen, keep an eye on Ben Congdon, too.<\/p>\n
Safety JJ Dunnigan<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s on his way to potentially being Miami\u2019s No. 3 safety this season.<\/p>\n
Running back Javian Mallory<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The only thing that would hold him back? All three of those other running backs mentioned \u2014 plus CharMar \u201cMarty\u201d Brown \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Tight ends Gavin Mueller and Israel Briggs<\/p>\n
The Hurricanes\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s strengths.<\/p>\n
Cornerback Camdin Portis<\/p>\n
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\u2019t start \u2014 either Fitzgerald or Boston College transfer Omar Thornton will likely handle that role, with the other starting at safety \u2014 Portis is making the case to get playing time on a rotational basis.<\/p>\n