The Miami Hurricanes secured a Fiesta Bowl win and now eye a transfer portal QB to continue their championship aspirations after their star's departure.
The Miami Hurricanes continue to make history, upsetting another SEC program, this time it was the Ole Miss Rebels in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl semifinals, resulting in a final score of 31-27. A game that was filled with tons of back and forth, electrifying plays, and frustrating penalties, they stood on top in the end. Quarterback Carson Beck was marvelous, completing 23 of 37 passes, 62.2 percent, for 268 yards, recording three total touchdowns, including the game-winner that was driven by him. The 23-year-old came up with crucial plays, especially in the second half, to come through with the victory.
Beck was named the Offensive Player of the Game.
The Hurricanes are technically the visitors, but they will have a chance to win the National Championship in their home stadium, at Hard Rock. It's the first time that's happened in the Bowl Championship Series/College Football Playoff era, from 1998 to present.
For a second consecutive year, the program has found tremendous success after acquiring a highly-talented transfer portal quarterback. The tradition will have a chance to continue as the Hurricanes will seek another one. As the Hurricanes await the results of Friday night's Peach Bowl between the Oregon Ducks and Indiana Hoosiers, the National Championship game on Monday night, Jan. 19th, will be the finale for many players, including Beck, heading to the upcoming NFL draft.
A successor will be needed for next season, especially with the transfer portal officially opened. It's been reported that the Hurricanes are set to meet with quarterback Sam Leavitt, one of the most intriguing on the open market. The redshirt sophomore experienced a down year with the Arizona State Sun Devils, playing in only seven games, but completed 145 of 239 passes, 60.7 percent, for 1,628 yards, recording 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. The 21-year-old can be mobile, rushing 73 times for 306 yards, scoring five touchdowns.
Leavitt was a four-star recruit coming out of West Linn High School, where he completed 222 out of 392 passes, 56.6 percent, for 3,705 yards, throwing for 43 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 19 games over the span of two years. He received interest from a couple of powerhouse programs in the Florida State Seminoles and BYU Cougars before committing to the Michigan State Spartans on Dec. 15th, 2022. However, after one season of little time on the field, Leavitt entered the transfer portal and found a bigger opportunity with the Sun Devils.
As a couple of high-market quarterbacks commit to new programs, such as DJ Lagway joining the Baylor Bears and Byrum Brown with the Auburn Tigers, Leavitt would be a marvelous addition to the Hurricanes, especially under the Mario Cristobal regime, and having a number one option in star wide receiver Malachi Toney.
The National Championship is the main focus, but this upcoming meeting will be critical for future success.
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