Miami Races Against Time to Secure Top QB Prospect in Transfer Portal
As the Transfer Portal window closes, Miami is racing against time to secure a top quarterback prospect. The deadline for players not involved in the national championship game to enter the portal is Friday. This marks a critical moment for the Hurricanes as they seek a replacement for Carson Beck.
Miami’s Struggles in the Transfer Portal
In previous years, Miami successfully lured veteran quarterbacks to Coral Gables, including Cam Ward and Carson Beck. Unfortunately, their efforts this season have not yielded similar results. Despite offering $6.5 million, former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson chose not to commit to Miami.
Targets That Slipped Away
- Miami approached Arizona State transfer Sam Leavitt, but he opted to join LSU.
- USC transfer Husan Longstreet, a five-star prospect for 2025, also signed with Lane Kiffin’s team in Baton Rouge.
With these rejections, Miami’s attention has shifted to uncommitted quarterbacks still in the portal. The top three prospects include:
- Bryson Beaver from Oregon
- EJ Colson, transferring from Incarnate Word
- Jadyn Davis, formerly of Michigan
This list does not inspire confidence for Miami’s coaching staff, suggesting they might look further afield in their search for a quarterback.
Potential Candidate: CJ Bailey
One name that stands out is Miami native CJ Bailey. The former Chaminade-Madonna Prep star played as a starting quarterback for NC State. In 2025, he threw for 3,105 yards, achieving a 68.8% completion rate with 25 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.
Although Bailey announced his return to NC State at the portal’s opening, Miami’s financial capability might entice him to reconsider. The Hurricanes recently earned $20 million from their College Football Playoff appearance, significantly boosting their budget for recruiting.
Challenges Ahead
Even if Bailey is committed to NC State, Miami may still attempt to bring him aboard. He has two years of eligibility remaining. With the current portal dynamics, Miami has been sluggish, garnering only four commits and ranking 49th in class standings.
Meanwhile, Indiana has capitalized on the portal, achieving a higher ranking and securing quarterback Josh Hoover as a replacement for Fernando Mendoza. This highlights the urgency for Miami.
Conclusion
As Friday approaches, Miami must act quickly to entice CJ Bailey into the Transfer Portal. If not, their options at quarterback will dwindle dramatically. With industry dynamics shifting, Miami finds itself at a crucial crossroads in the pursuit of a new leading signal-caller.
