Canes Target QB Sorsby; Saban Weighs In, UM Personnel Updates
The college football transfer portal officially opened at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. The Miami Hurricanes are actively searching for a veteran quarterback for the third consecutive year. Reports indicate that the Canes have made an offer to Brendan Sorsby, a dual-threat quarterback from Cincinnati, regarded by many as the top player in the portal.
Brendan Sorsby’s Potential Impact
Sorsby has piqued interest from several programs, including Miami, LSU, and Texas Tech. In 2023, he passed for 2,813 yards, recording 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions while playing for Cincinnati. This past season, he continued his upward trajectory, throwing for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, while also rushing for 580 yards. Over his college career, Sorsby has accumulated 60 passing touchdowns and 22 rushing touchdowns.
Competition for Sorsby
Miami is not alone in pursuing Sorsby. LSU and Texas Tech are known for having significant NIL budgets, which may influence his final decision. Additionally, Arizona State’s Sam Leavett is also on the Canes’ radar. Leavett recently underwent season-ending foot surgery but had thrown 10 touchdowns and three interceptions before the injury.
Other Quarterbacks in the Transfer Portal
The quarterback landscape in the portal includes notable names such as:
- Josh Hoover from TCU
- Byrum Brown from USF
- Rocco Becht from Iowa State
- DJ Lagway from Florida
Top veteran quarterbacks are currently commanding offers of $4 million or more, highlighting the competitive landscape in college football.
Current Hurricanes Roster
Miami’s offensive coordinator, Shannon Dawson, maintains a high opinion of backup quarterback Emory Williams. The team is still keen on acquiring a seasoned starter, especially with Cam Ward and Carson Beck’s departures over the last two years. Besides Williams, Miami’s quarterback core includes Luke Nickel and Judd Anderson, along with incoming freshman Dereon Coleman.
Personnel Updates and Departures
Recent developments reveal that three Hurricanes players are planning to enter the transfer portal, increasing the total exits from Miami to six since the end of the regular season. This trend raises questions about the team’s roster stability as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Praise for the Hurricanes
Miami has garnered accolades from various football analysts. Notably, ESPN’s Joey Galloway recently labeled Miami as a championship favorite, reversing earlier skepticism about their playoff potential. Nick Saban commended Miami for its roster construction and emphasized the importance of dominating the line of scrimmage.
Coaching Insights
Mario Cristobal acknowledged Saban’s influence on his coaching style. He emphasized the significance of recruiting high-quality players and fostering resilience within the team. The foundation established by early recruits has played a pivotal role in Miami’s current success.
Looking Ahead
Miami will face Mississippi in a national semifinal matchup at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Glendale, Arizona. This game represents a critical moment for the Hurricanes as they look to capitalize on their recent performance and build momentum for their season.
