All-ACC receiver Cooper Barkate enters the transfer portal, with the Miami Hurricanes eyed as a prime destination. Can they land another star to boost their offense?
Despite the National Championship loss, the Miami Hurricanes continue to balance the business side of college football. A great number of players from the roster are entering the extended transfer portal window, which closes on Saturday, with the latest being running back Girard Pringle Jr.
However, it's an opportunity for the program to add tremendous talent for next season, with hopes of finishing what was started. It was reported on Wednesday that wide receiver Cooper Barkate has officially entered the transfer portal.
The 23-year-old was with the Duke Blue Devils, catching 72 passes for 1,106 yards, 15.4 yards per carry, scoring seven touchdowns in 14 games. Barkate earned All-ACC Second-Team honors. He finished second in total receiving yards, behind Hurricanes star wide receiver Malachi Toney.
Barkate was a three-star recruit coming out of Mater Dei High School, catching 29 passes for 718 yards, 24.8 yards per game, scoring 11 touchdowns in 14 games. The California native received offers and interest from a couple of powerhouse programs, such as the Oregon Ducks and Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but committed to the Harvard Crimson on Aug. 29, 2021.
Despite playing four games as a freshman, Barkate's role grew in the following years. He caught 113 passes for 1,742 yards, 15.4 yards per carry, scoring 14 touchdowns in 23 total games. After three seasons, he joined the Blue Devils and found tremendous success.
Barkate played a critical role in the program's success, claiming the ACC championship for the first time since 1989. In the overtime victory against the Virginia Cavaliers, he caught five passes for 91 yards, 18.2 yards per reception.
It was reported that the Hurricanes were the "school to watch" in Barkate's transfer portal case, which makes the situation of quarterback Darian Mensah more interesting. He's currently facing a lawsuit from the program in an attempt to retain him.
Regardless, the expectation is that Mensah will be allowed to transfer and sign with the Hurricanes, which could lure Bakrate. They already acquired a couple of transfer portal wide receivers in Cam Vaughn and Vandrevius Jacobs.
The Hurricanes' offense could elevate next season, especially around Toney and star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. However, the program will likely have to play the waiting game.
The business side of college football is chaotic. However, the Hurricanes have successfully established a new culture and standard after a historic College Football Playoff run, especially under Mario Cristobal's leadership.
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