When a team is on a run like the Miami Hurricanes are right now, it’s easy to assume roster stability would take priority over portal pursuits. Miami’s defense already ranks among the best in the country, yet the Hurricanes are still looking to get better through the transfer portal. That mindset reflects a program focused on sustaining success rather than protecting the status quo.
Even amid a postseason push, Miami is positioning itself to reload and stay ahead defensively.
Mario Cristobal Looking To Add Another Ballhawk To Already Dominant Defense in Miami
Under head coach Mario Cristobal, the 12-2 Hurricanes are coming off their dominant 24-14 upset over the heavily favored Ohio State Buckeyes to advance to the College Football Playoff Semifinal. The defensive unit, ranked No. 6 in PFSN’s Defense Impact metrics, marched into AT&T Stadium on Wednesday and forced Heisman finalist quarterback Julian Sayin into two interceptions, while holding running back Bo Jackson to just 55 yards on the ground.
According to Hayes Fawcett of On3/Rivals, Pittsburgh standout transfer linebacker Rasheem Biles is set to visit Miami on Saturday. Biles is the top-ranked linebacker in the On3 Portal Rankings.
Biles, at 6’1, 220 pounds, has tremendous speed at linebacker that would fit right into Cristobal’s brisk defense. In five games this season, he accumulated double-digit total tackles for Pitt, which includes his recent impressive performance against East Carolina in the Go Bowling Military Bowl. In which he finished with 16 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
This season, Biles has had strong performances against East Carolina, Boston College, West Virginia, Louisville, and Central Michigan. His final season stats don’t reflect what he is capable of producing in the right system. A fast, gritty defense like Miami’s would be perfect to help Biles reach his full potential and add another ballhawk to an already supreme defense.
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Although linebackers Mohamed Toure and Wesley Bissainthe both rank in the top three on the team in total tackles, they’re both seniors and could open up for a new linebacker to step in next season.
If Biles’ visit to Miami goes well, he could be the perfect addition for the Hurricanes’ program next season, as they may lose a significant portion of their linebacker core to graduation. His 100-tackle 2025 season makes him one of the hottest commodities in the portal. For the Hurricanes to be preparing for a CFB Playoff Semifinal and in position to land one of the top linebackers available in the country has this program in a fantastic position.
