As the Miami Hurricanes are solely focused on the College Football Playoffs, the next defensive star may be found within the transfer portal in Florida Gators edge rusher Jayden Woods.
As the Miami Hurricanes prepare for a big challenge ahead in the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinals, the scouting department never rests. Numerous star players plan to enter the transfer portal, which opens on January 4th, 2026, and could be seen next in the orange and green. The program found tremendous success with free agent players recently, such as Carson Beck, Keionte Scott, Alex Bauman, Jakobe Thomas, Keelan Marion, CJ Daniels, etc.
There are others, such as edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, who will declare for the upcoming NFL draft. Both are projected to be high first-round selections. They combined for 83 total tackles, 45 solos and 38 assists, and 11.5 sacks throughout the regular season. Both defenders will leave a tremendous imprint on the program, but their chapters will soon come to an end.
Given recent news, a strong candidate may have emerged. It's been reported that Florida Gators freshman edge rusher Jayden Woods plans to enter the transfer portal. In all 12 regular-season games, the 19-year-old recorded 28 total tackles, 12 solos and 16 assists, five tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception against the Ole Miss Rebels. Woods earned freshman All-SEC honors.
The Hurricanes had interest in the Kansas native coming out of Mill Valley High School, where he recorded 212 total tackles, 101 solos and 111 assists, 25.5 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, 12 passes defended, and one interception in 37 games throughout three years. He also received offers from other powerhouse programs, such as the Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers, Oregon Ducks, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, etc.
Woods committed to the Gators on Nov. 29th, 2024. They fell short of expectations this season, finishing with a 4-8 overall record, 2-6 against conference opponents, and 12th in the SEC standings. A few of his teammates are also expected to enter the transfer portal, such as quarterback DJ Lagway, wide receiver Eugene Wilson III, etc.
The Hurricanes were able to catch on to Woods' talents in person, when he finished with three combined tackles, two solos and an assist, and a sack in the matchup on Sep. 20th. Given the success Mesidor and Bain Jr. found within the program, especially now in the College Football Playoffs, it would make sense for him to consider moving down south in the "Sunshine State."
It could be a perfect match, depending on what the other suitors turn out to be.
Also, the leadership of Jason Taylor as the Hurricanes' defensive line coach could be a factor in the attraction. There's no doubt that the program is becoming a bigger attraction for transfers, regardless of how things end for them in the College Football Playoffs.
It will be interesting to see how the market will transpire right after New Year's.
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