The Miami Hurricanes have become a perennial contender in the transfer portal, hoping to inject their roster with top-tier talent each year. As the 2025 season looms, fans are already salivating over the possibility of bringing in flashy recruits from across the country. However, with the growing trend of social media hype surrounding college football, it’s easy to get swept up in the idea of landing “the next big thing.” Here are 10 overhyped transfer portal ‘stars’ that the Miami Hurricanes will likely target in 2025, though not all of them may live up to the billing.
- Quarterback Quinton Williams (Texas Tech) Known for his strong arm and flashy highlights, Williams has been the talk of the transfer portal, but his inconsistent play at Texas Tech raises questions about his ability to thrive in the pressure-cooker atmosphere at Miami. Despite his big-name status, he might not be the immediate solution the Hurricanes need.
- Wide Receiver Kyle Thompson (Ohio State) Thompson’s athleticism and ability to make circus catches have made him a transfer portal sensation. However, after struggling to find consistent playing time behind Ohio State’s star-studded receiving corps, it’s unclear if he’ll be the game-changer Miami fans envision.
- Running Back Malik Johnson (Alabama) Johnson’s stats are eye-catching, but he’s often been relegated to a backup role at Alabama. While his speed is undeniable, the question remains: can he handle the workload as a feature back for a team like Miami, where expectations are sky-high?
- Linebacker Jamal Harris (Georgia) Harris has been a top performer in limited snaps for Georgia, but his lack of starting experience at a major program raises doubts about his readiness for a big-time role at Miami. The Hurricanes may find themselves taking a gamble on him.
- Defensive Tackle Trevor Brooks (Clemson) Brooks has generated buzz as a powerful interior lineman, but his struggles to break through Clemson’s stacked defensive line could mean he’s overrated. Miami would be wise to assess if Brooks can translate his potential into production.
- Cornerback Elijah Ford (LSU) Ford’s speed and agility have made him a highly sought-after transfer, but he’s shown inconsistency at LSU. While Miami fans are ready to crown him the next great corner, his lack of experience at the top level could prove problematic.
- Tight End Jason Daniels (Oklahoma) Daniels has the physical tools to dominate, but he’s never been able to fully utilize his talent at Oklahoma. His underwhelming production in a pass-heavy offense raises red flags about his ability to thrive in Miami’s system.
- Offensive Tackle Chris Wilson (Florida State) Wilson’s raw strength is undeniable, but his technical flaws have kept him from being a consistent starter for Florida State. Miami fans should temper expectations on this one, as his transition to a starting role could be bumpy.
- Wide Receiver Derek Lewis (USC) Lewis has some serious athleticism and made a name for himself in USC’s up-tempo offense, but questions about his route-running and hands persist. Can he thrive in a more traditional offensive system at Miami? Only time will tell.
- Defensive Back Antonio Scott (Michigan) Scott has been a standout on special teams, but his limited experience in the defensive backfield at Michigan should give Miami fans pause. A player who’s barely seen meaningful minutes in a top-tier program may not live up to the hype in Coral Gables.
While all of these players come with impressive résumés, the reality is that Miami may not get the immediate impact they expect. The transfer portal is a gamble, and these players might not live up to the inflated hype. Fans should proceed with caution as they dream of landing “the next big thing” for the Hurricanes in 2025.
