From Joshua Moore’s imposing frame to Vandrevius Jacobs’ explosive speed, discover which dynamic pass-catchers are poised to ignite the Miami Hurricanes' offense alongside star quarterback Darian Mensah this fall.
MIAMI, Fla. – Ahead of fall camp and the 2026 college football season, the Miami Hurricanes have an exciting wide receiver core. Malachi Toney and Cooper Barkate are familiar talents in the Atlantic Coast Conference, but others are looking to emerge.
Who is lining up for a significant breakthrough?
The first name that comes to mind – whether you’re asking coaches or fans – is Miami native Joshua Moore. He was a four-star recruit coming from West Broward High School – the same class as Toney. After originally committing to the Florida Gators in June 2024, Moore wound up flipping to the Hurricanes just a few months later.
As a freshman, Moore caught 17 passes for 210 yards, scoring two touchdowns – both against the South Florida Bulls – in 14 games but no starts. He’s currently listed at 6-4 and 215 pounds, which ties for the heaviest among wide receivers, alongside redshirt juniors Riply and Kolby Luna (brothers). As a sophomore, Moore’s frame and speed are expected to be utilized more this upcoming season.
The 19-year-old participated in spring practices, but missed the exhibition game at Cobb Stadium due to a surprising knee injury. Coach Mario Cristobal confirmed on 104.3 WQAM radio that it wasn’t serious and that Moore will be ready for fall camp.
Another name that pops up is South Carolina transfer Vandrevius Jacobs. In two seasons with the Gamecocks, the redshirt junior caught 44 passes for 729 yards, scoring four touchdowns in 21 games, including 10 starts. The local Fort Pierce native committed to the Florida State Seminoles as a three-star recruit coming from Vero Beach High School. However, Jacobs appeared in just five games as a freshman; redshirted to preserve NCAA eligibility.
All four of Jacobs’ touchdowns came on explosive plays, including a 74-yarder – 51 following the catch – against the Clemson Tigers. It’s a trend that could continue with All-ACC quarterback Darian Mensah.
Another in-house talent looking to make serious noise on the field is sophomore Daylyn Upshaw – another member of the 2025 recruiting class with Moore and Toney. He hardly received playing time until the final four games of the regular season – catching four passes for 79 yards. Upshaw completed just one reception in each matchup against Syracuse, North Carolina State, Virginia Tech, and Pitt. He wouldn’t appear in the College Football Playoffs, including the National Championship game, after suffering an injury.
Upshaw has unfinished business and is looking to pick up where he left off. The 19-year-old is the projected backup slot receiver – behind Toney.
Another candidate who could make a great surprise on the field is freshman Somourian Wingo. Given all the established talent at the position, the top-100 four-star recruit could see limited time on the field. Wingo caught 137 passes for 2,398 yards, scoring 34 total touchdowns in three seasons, 36 total games, at St. Augustine High School.
The Hurricanes’ revamped wide receiver core could result in an explosive offense – similar to when Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Cam Ward was running the show.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
