Miami Hurricanes 2026 Position Preview: Defensive Tackle

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Miami’s defensive tackle room was really good in 2025. Ahmad Moten became a household name, Justin Scott showed why he was a five-star recruit, Armondo Blount played effectively inside, and transfer David Blay Jr. was a nice one-year contributor. With all but Blay returning, plus a couple quality additions, the defensive tackle room could be the best of the bunch for Corey Hetherman’s defense.

#1 Ahmad Moten

I was pumped when Moten officially announced he was returning for his senior season. The former #99 was awesome last year: 31 tackles, nine TFLs, 4.5 sacks, and 20 quarterback pressures. Moten enters 2026 as the unquestioned leader of the defensive tackle room. One could argue he is now the leader of the entire defensive line. Miami’s new #1 on defense will not be sneaking up on any opposing offenses this year, which is just fine with the Canes. From all accounts, Moten is ready for the challenge. I expect a big season from him that results in him being a first round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Check out the video below of two guys that know way more about football than I do break down Moten. Good stuff.

#5 Justin Scott

I love it when a stud five-star defensive tackle lives up to their ranking. Scott began last season making big plays, with his forced fumble against Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields in the season-opener. Big #5 continued his solid play through the season, finishing with 26 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, one sack, one FF, and 16 quarterback pressures. Scott has gotten better every season, with Canes coaches and fans expecting that upward trajectory to continue in 2026. There is a chance Miami could have two defensive tackles selected in the first round a year after doing the same with two defensive ends. That would be impressive. It would also mean Scott had an incredible season. Yes to both.

#91 Jarquez Carter

The Canes got their main, just a year later than they thought they would. Carter was a four-star prospect coming out of Newberry, FL. Hey, Newberry! I was just there for work a few weeks ago. Fascinating, I know. Carter transferred in this past offseason from that team from Ohio that Miami beat on New Year’s Eve. He didn’t see much playing time in 2025, tallying only one tackle. With the talent Ohio had on the defensive line, that’s not a surprise. I trust the Canes coaching and recruiting staff in their evaluations. Playing behind Moten and Scott should be great for Carter. Best case scenario, he’s a good backup in 2026, then steps up to help replace both guys in 2027.

#97 Keona Davis

Davis is probably the most underhyped guy in the DT rotation. He had a solid 2025 season at Nebraska: 32 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks. The 32 tackles led all Nebraska defensive linemen. The guy is incredibly athletic and has a huge upside, at least that is what D$ from Canes Insight said recently. He broke down Davis further in the below video.

#18 Armondo Blount

I know Blount is a combination defensive lineman, but I am including him here with how often he lines up inside. Blount didn’t put up huge numbers in 2025: 17 tackles and 2.5 sacks. That said, he was a disruptive force in opponents’ backfields. I would see consistently see #18 around the ball carrier and quarterback. With Blount reportedly getting up to around 270 lbs for the season, he should be a versatile piece along the d-line that can contribute both outside and inside.

GO CANES!

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