Former 4-Star Miami QB Signs with Group of Five Program

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Former 4-Star Miami QB Signs with Group of Five Program

The Miami Hurricanes came within seven points of completing a remarkable season in 2025. This year marked their first appearance in the College Football Playoff, and they advanced to the national championship game, where they were narrowly defeated by the Indiana Hoosiers, 27-21.

The Hurricanes are working to assemble a team for next season that can return them to the top for the first time since 2001. However, they are facing a significant issue at the quarterback position. Miami is set to lose its starting quarterback, Carson Beck.

Additionally, they have reportedly missed out on transfer portal quarterback Sam Leavitt and struck out on trying to convince Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson to leave the NFL draft and join Miami.

QB Emory Williams© Melina Myers-Imagn Images

This week brought more disappointing news about backup quarterback Emory Williams, who participated in 12 games over three seasons at Miami. During his time there, he threw for 813 yards, completed four touchdown passes and recorded two interceptions. A former four-star recruit, Williams has entered the transfer portal and has since committed to the East Carolina Pirates.

The immediate ripple effects are concerning for Miami’s roster construction. With Williams departing, the Hurricanes now face a thinner quarterback room at a time when continuity was expected after a College Football Playoff run.

From a broader perspective, the situation highlights how quickly fortunes can change in the portal era. Miami reached its first-ever CFP appearance in 2025 and pushed Indiana to the brink in a 27–21 national championship loss, but the inability to land a proven quarterback has shifted the narrative. Williams, a former four-star recruit, saw limited production in 12 games, throwing for 813 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions, yet his exit further narrows Miami’s options as the staff searches for stability and experience.

Looking ahead, Miami must act quickly to solidify the position before spring and summer preparations intensify. With fall camp approaching in Coral Gables, the Hurricanes’ championship aspirations for next season may ultimately hinge on whether they can identify or develop a quarterback capable of leading them back to the College Football Playoff.

Related: College Football Powerhouse Faces Unexpected Backlash After Indiana’s Win Over Miami

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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