As Miami awaits Darian Mensah news, see Hurricanes in and out for 2026

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Miami football will look drastically different in 2026 when it makes its push to return to the national championship game. The Hurricanes stand to lose 16 players who started on Jan. 19 in the 27-21 loss to Indiana.

It's common knowledge that quarterback Carson Beck will need to be replaced, and Duke's Darian Mensah is expected to be the one to do it. However, the Blue Devils sued their QB after he declared his intention to enter the transfer portal, and a judge's temporary restraining order means a potential move to South Florida is on hold for now. The Hurricanes were thrown another curveball when freshman running back Girard Pringle, who came on strong in the back half of the year to finish with 375 yards, entered the portal Jan. 21. He was expected to provide key depth behind Mark Fletcher in 2026.

The big losses also include both of Miami's star defensive ends, Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor. As a junior, Bain does have one more year of NCAA eligibility, but he is expected to be at least a top-10 pick in April's NFL draft. Standout offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa also is expected to forgo his senior season and be a likely first-round draft pick, and with Markel Bell and Anez Cooper already announcing their entry in the draft, coach Mario Cristobal will be losing four of his five starters on a stout offensive line.

It's not all bad news on the transfer portal front. The Hurricanes had the No. 8 recruiting class this year, according to On3, headlined by five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, the No. 2 overall prospect in the nation. UM also has added Vandrevius Jacobs, who brought in 32 catches for 548 yards and four touchdowns from LaNorris Sellers at South Carolina this season, as well as Cam Vaughn, West Virginia's leading receiver with 35 catches for 541 yards and four TDs. The defense will also get a boost from safety Omar Thornton, who forced four fumbles and had an interception last year at Boston College, and former Ohio State defensive tackle Jarquez Carter.

Here's a look at the changes coming to the Hurricanes roster for 2026:

Miami transfer portal commits

Player rankings according to 247Sports:

  • WR Vandrevius Jacobs (4-star redshirt sophomore) – from South Carolina
  • WR Cam Vaughn (4-star junior) – from West Virginia
  • S Omar Thornton (4-star sophomore) – from Boston College
  • DL Jarquez Carter (3-star freshman) – from Ohio State
  • K Jack Olsen (3-star redshirt senior) – from Northwestern
  • K Jake Weinberg (3-star redshirt freshman) – from Florida State

Miami Hurricanes entering transfer portal

Player rankings according to 247Sports:

  • RB Girard Pringle Jr. (4-star freshman)
  • DL Artvaius Jones (4-star redshirt freshman)
  • LB Malik Bryant (4-star junior)
  • QB Emory Williams (3-star redshirt sophomore) – committed to East Carolina
  • WR Ny Carr (3-star sophomore) – committed to Wake Forest
  • WR Ray Ray Joseph (3-star junior) – committed to East Carolina
  • WR Chance Robinson (3-star sophomore) – committed to NC State
  • TE Brock Schott (3-star freshman) – committed to Indiana
  • OT Tommy Kinsler (3-star redshirt sophomore)
  • OL Nino Francavilla (sophomore)
  • OL Deryc Plazz (3-star redshirt freshman) – committed to Auburn
  • DL Daylen Russell (3-star redshirt freshman) – committed to Louisville
  • DL Donta Simpson (3-star freshman) – committed to Missouri
  • LB Bobby Washington Jr. (3-star redshirt sophomore)
  • CB Charles Brantley (3-star senior) – committed to Michigan State
  • S Amari Wallace (3-star freshman)
  • S Markeith Williams (3-star redshirt junior)

Miami football players entering NFL draft

Players marked with an asterisk have not officially announced they are leaving early to enter the 2026 NFL draft but are expected to.

Miami football players with expiring NCAA eligibility

  • QB Carson Beck
  • DE Akheem Mesidor
  • WR Keelan Marion
  • WR CJ Daniels
  • TE Alex Bauman
  • C James Brockemeyer
  • DT David Blay Jr.
  • LB Mohamed Toure
  • K Carter Davis
  • C Ryan Rodriguez
  • LB Chase Smith
  • LB Jaylin Alderman
  • CB Isaiah Taylor
  • K Bert Auburn

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami transfer portal board, Hurricanes depth chart changes for 2026

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