We are one day away from the Miami Hurricanes starting fall practices, getting ready for the 2026-27 college football season. Today on CanesInSight, we are taking a look at five players that we will be watching during the practices:
What players will you be monitoring?
RG | Ben Congdon
The Hurricanes were hit hard in the trenches, losing four of their five starters from this past season. However, offensive line coach Alex Mirabal has done an incredible job reloading the group. Incoming offensive lineman Ben Congdon, who stands at 6-foot-8 and 330-pounds will get his shot at playing right guard–he is a name to monitor when Miami kicks off its Fall Camp tomorrow.
LB | Chase Smith
Chase Smith will be entering his final year as a Miami Hurricane. For five years, he has battled through multiple injuries during his college tenure. He is now finally healthy and ready to compete for the linebacker spot. According to DMoney, Smith impressed during spring practices. If he can stay healthy, it will create a great one-two punch with Mohamed Toure.
EDGE | Marquise Lightfoot
For two years, Marquise Lightfoot has been learning behind two first-round players, Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, while being coached by NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor. Now, it’s time for him to step up. Taking on a starting role for the Hurricanes, Lightfoot is a player to monitor this season on the defensive line.
TE | Elija Lofton
Lofton has the most potential on this list to blow up this season. During the 2025-26 season, he recorded a total of 23 receptions for 218 yards and three touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the highest graded freshman tight end during the 2024 season. He added to his frame, gaining 10 pounds of muscle this off-season.
RB | Jordan Lyle
The Hurricanes have the most dominat and feared running back room in college football.With Mark Fletcher possibly locking down the No. 1 running back spot, this leads to the question: who will be the No. 2 running back? Jordan Lyle has the most potential on the team. He was originally named the starter last season; however he went down with an injury that forced him to play limited snaps behind Girard Pringle, Mark Fletcher, and Chamar Brown.