It is January 2026, and the air around Coral Gables is thick with something we haven't felt in over two decades: legitimate, terrifying-to-the-rest-of-the-country dominance. If you're looking at the miami hurricanes football depth chart right now, you aren't just looking at a list of names. You're looking at the blueprint that took Mario Cristobal from the "hot seat" rumors of years past straight into the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Indiana.
Let's be real. Most people look at a depth chart and see 22 starters. But at Miami, the "U" has been rebuilt on the idea that the second and third strings have to be just as mean as the guys taking the first snap.
The Quarterback Room: The Carson Beck Era
Carson Beck. That’s the name. Honestly, when he transferred in from Georgia, people weren't sure if he’d fit the "Air Raid" vibe Shannon Dawson likes to run. He didn't just fit; he ignited it.
Beck is the undisputed QB1. He’s coming off a massive 2025 season where he threw for over 3,500 yards and nearly 30 touchdowns. He isn't just a "game manager" anymore. He’s the field general who survived a brutal playoff run, taking down Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Ole Miss.
Behind him, the depth chart gets interesting. You've got Emory Williams as the primary backup—a kid who has been in the system and knows the playbook like the back of his hand. Then there’s the youth. Luke Nickel and Judd Anderson are the future, but right now, they’re the insurance policy. If Beck's helmet pops off for a play, nobody in the stands is holding their breath in fear anymore. That’s a luxury Miami hasn't had in a long time.
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Running Backs: A Three-Headed Monster
Mario Cristobal loves big, physical backs. It's in his DNA. The current miami hurricanes football depth chart at running back is a "choose your poison" situation for defensive coordinators.
Mark Fletcher Jr. is the hammer. He’s a junior now, and after a 600-yard season in '24, he’s basically the emotional heartbeat of the backfield. But he isn't alone. You’ve got CharMar Brown and Girard Pringle Jr. rotating in constantly.
- Mark Fletcher Jr.: The power back.
- CharMar Brown: The explosive gap-shooter.
- Girard Pringle Jr.: The versatile threat.
Wait, what about Jordan Lyle? He was a massive recruit out of St. Thomas Aquinas, but 2025 was tough for him. Injuries in the opener against Notre Dame slowed him down, and he’s recently fallen a bit on the chart. There’s a lot of talk about him looking at the portal after the title game, which is just the reality of a stacked room.
The Offensive Line: Rebuilding the Wall
This is where Cristobal spends most of his time. If the offensive line isn't moving people, the whole thing falls apart.
Francis Mauigoa at Right Tackle is a projected top-tier NFL pick. He’s been a starter since he was a freshman and plays with a level of violence that’s kind of scary to watch on film. On the other side, you've got Markel Bell protecting Beck’s blindside.
The middle is anchored by James Brockermeyer at Center and Anez Cooper at Right Guard. The only real "question mark" heading into the offseason is that four of these five starters are likely moving on to the pros after the Indiana game. Matthew McCoy at Left Guard is the lone projected returner for the 2026 starting unit, which means the guys currently on the second string—like Samson Okunlola and Ryan Rodriguez—are about to become very famous very quickly.
Wide Receivers: The "Freshman of the Year" Factor
Malachi Toney is a problem. He was just named the FWAA Offensive Freshman of the Year, and for good reason. He operates out of the slot and makes people look silly in open space.
On the outside, you’ve got CJ Daniels and "JoJo" Trader. This group is fast. Like, "South Florida track star" fast. Keelan Marion has also been a huge reliable target for Beck when things get tight in the red zone.
- WR-X: Keelan Marion / Joshua Moore
- WR-Z: CJ Daniels / Joshisa Trader
- Slot: Malachi Toney / Tony Johnson
The Defense: Bain and the Trenches
Corey Hetherman’s 4-2-5 defense lives and dies by the front four. Rueben Bain Jr. is the alpha. He’s a freak of nature off the edge. If you don't double-team him, your quarterback is going to have a very long afternoon.
Opposite him is Akheem Mesidor, a veteran who provides the perfect balance of technique and power. Inside, David Blay Jr. and Ahmad Moten Sr. do the dirty work, eating up double teams so the linebackers can fly around.
Speaking of linebackers, Wesley Bissainthe and Mohamed Toure are the veteran leaders. Bissainthe is the Mike, the "quarterback" of the defense. He’s seen it all. Toure is that hybrid athlete who can drop into coverage or blitz the A-gap with equal effectiveness.
The Secondary: No Fly Zone
The back end of the miami hurricanes football depth chart is where the speed really shows up. OJ Frederique Jr. and Ethan O’Connor have locked down the corner spots. Frederique is only a sophomore, but he plays with the confidence of a ten-year pro.
At safety, you’ve got Jakobe Thomas and the young sensation Bryce Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is another local kid from Columbus High who has played his way into a starting role as a freshman. He’s a ball hawk. If a pass is slightly off-target, #13 is usually the one coming down with it.
Special Teams: The Hidden Edge
People ignore special teams until a kick goes wide. Miami hasn't had that problem. Carter Davis and Bert Auburn have been battling it out for the placekicker spot, while Dylan Joyce is one of the most consistent punters in the ACC.
Keionte Scott handles the punt returns, and he’s one missed tackle away from a touchdown every time he touches the ball.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception about the Miami depth chart is that it’s just a collection of five-star recruits. While the talent is high, the "U" has actually shifted toward a "player development" model. Look at a guy like David Blay or Matthew McCoy—these weren't the highest-rated guys coming out of high school, but they’ve been coached up into NFL-caliber starters.
Also, the "Transfer Portal" isn't just a way to replace people; it’s been used to add specific leadership, like bringing in Carson Beck. Without that specific move, Miami isn't playing Indiana for a ring right now.
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Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the Hurricanes heading into the 2026 season, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the Offensive Line Transition: With four starters likely leaving after the National Championship, the spring practice battles between Samson Okunlola and the new recruits like Jackson Cantwell will be the most important thing happening in Coral Gables.
- The Transfer Portal Window: Expect some movement between January 20th and 24th. Since Miami is in the title game, their players have a special window to enter the portal. Guys like Jordan Lyle or Emory Williams might look for starting roles elsewhere if they feel blocked on the chart.
- Freshman Impact: Malachi Toney and Bryce Fitzgerald have proven that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. Don’t be surprised if incoming 2026 recruits like Somourian Wingo or Jaelen Waters crack the two-deep by September.
The Hurricanes are finally "back" in the sense that they have a roster that can withstand injuries and maintain a high level of play. The depth chart isn't just a list of names; it's a statement of intent.