Don't sleep on Miami in 2026

As you likely know as a reader of my site, I am a massive fan of the Miami Hurricanes. The 2025 season was dramatic, with stunning highs and frustrating lows, but there is no question that it was the best season in two decades. A huge part of Miami's run to the title game was the dynamic duo of defensive linemen Reuben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, both of which were taken in the first round of the NFL draft. Given the loss of these trench bullies, its tempting to assert that Miami's defense will take a significant step back in 2026. But in the age of the transfer portal and Mario Cristobal's incredible ability as an elite recruiter and developer of talent, things aren't so simple.

A few days ago, CanesInsight's Trinton Breeze linked to a CBS Sports report that is bullish on Miami's 2026 defense.

On Friday morning, CBS Sports writer Brad Crawford released his own list of the most feared defenders in college football, where he was very high on the Miami Hurricanes including three players.

Crawford included tres Hurricanes among the 26 players featured on his list: No. 26 Bryce Fitzgerald, No. 19 Ahmad Moten, and No. 6 Damon Wilson.

This trio of elite defenders exemplify Miami return's to the upper echelons of College Football. Fitzgerald had an absolute banger of a freshman season, demonstrating Mario's knack for identifying and recruiting talent. Moten provided depth on an elite DL in 2025, steadily developing in his time at Miami, and is already projected as a first-round pick in 2027. Wilson, an absolute monster pass rusher, arrives at Miami via the portal at the expense of the SEC's Missouri Tigers.

Maybe I'm wearing orange tinted glasses, but I think Miami's defense is going to be elite in 2026.

It doesn't stop there, though. The RB room returns in its entirety, including veteran contributors Mark Fletcher and CharMar Brown, electric freshman Gerard Pringle, and a healthy Jordan Lyle, who flashed in 2024 as a speed demon. The WR room has been upgraded, and Miami landed the top QB in the portal again in Darien Mensah.

All the pieces are in place for another national title run. Its been far too long!