The Hurricanes struck gold in the transfer portal last year, reeling in Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward as well as key players like Damien Martinez, Zach Carpenter, Simeon Barrow Jr. and more.

The portal has become as crucial as high school recruiting. Here is a look at positions Miami could target in the portal after it officially opened on Monday:

Quarterback

The Hurricanes will lose Ward to the NFL, and backup Reese Poffenberger entered the portal. UM will have three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster: Emory Williams, Judd Anderson and incoming freshman Luke Nickel. Only Williams has college experience. The Hurricanes can ride with him and bring in a quarterback for depth, or they can opt for someone who will compete with Williams to start. Ultimately, “Come to Miami and be a Heisman finalist” is a pretty good recruiting pitch to prospective quarterbacks like Tulane’s Darian Mensah, Oklahoma’s Jackson Arnold and more, especially if offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson stays instead of leaving for an open head coaching role.

Running back

Two Miami running backs entered the portal this week: Ajay Allen and Chris Johnson Jr. With Martinez likely turning pro, UM will have four scholarship running backs on next year’s roster. With Mark Fletcher Jr. and Jordan Lyle back, plus second-year Chris Wheatley-Humphrey and touted freshman Girard Pringle Jr., the Hurricanes could add here for depth but likely don’t need to make a starting-level running back a priority.

Wide receiver

Whether Isaiah Horton and Sam Brown Jr. return could determine UM’s strategy toward portal receivers, but Miami appears to be active in recruiting portal wide receivers. The Hurricanes need someone to replace slot receiver Xavier Restrepo. That could be someone on the roster, like rising third-year Ray Ray Joseph. Or they could target a portal slot receiver like FIU’s Eric Rivers. UM also offered 6-foot-4 outside receiver Reginald Virgil from Miami (Ohio) and is reportedly interested in Georgia Tech’s Eric Singleton.

Offensive line

The Hurricanes will lose at least four offensive linemen this offseason, including two starters. Jalen Rivers is headed to the NFL, Zach Carpenter and Lou Cristobal Jr. are out of eligibility and Antonio Tripp Jr. entered the portal. UM has already been actively recruiting players to fill those voids. Miami offered Charlotte offensive lineman Kendall Stanley, who had a strong season as the 49ers’ right tackle. UM is also pursuing Liberty offensive linemen Jordan White and Xavior Gray.

Defensive line

UM overhauled its defensive line last year with portal additions, and they will have to do it again. Six offensive linemen — Barrow, Elijah Alston, Tyler Baron, C.J. Clark, Marley Cook, Anthony Campbell — are out of eligibility. A seventh, Akheem Mesidor, could turn pro after five college seasons. The Hurricanes signed four defensive linemen this year and eight in 2024, giving them depth at the position. But they will likely still try to add on the line; former five-star prospect Keeshawn Silver, who has played for UNC and Kentucky, is an early target.

Linebacker

The Hurricanes will be down at least two linebackers for next season: starter Francisco Mauigoa is out of eligibility and Bobby Washington entered the transfer portal. Miami has several young linebackers, like Raul Aguirre Jr. and Bobby Pruitt, who should be ready to take over more playing time alongside Jaylin Alderman and Wesley Bissainthe (though those players could opt for the NFL). If the Hurricanes can add an impact player at the position, though, they will surely try.

Cornerback

Cornerback is a spot where the Hurricanes will have to upgrade this offseason. Starter Daryl Porter Jr. is out of eligibility, and two corners, Robert Stafford and Robby Washington, have entered the transfer portal. Several returning cornerbacks like Damari Brown, Jadais Richard, and D’Yoni Hill have either missed significant time with injuries or have not played well. Only rising second-year OJ Frederique Jr. put together a strong 2024 campaign. UM will have to replenish its cornerback room with starter-level talent.

Safety

Miami will lose one of its starters, Meesh Powell, to the NFL. Returning starter Jaden Harris had an up-and-down season. Although the Hurricanes have young safeties who can compete for a starting role, like Zaquan Patterson and Dylan Day, they will likely pursue a high-level safety like Purdue’s Dillon Thieneman.