As the dust continues to settle on Miami’s College Football Playoff Semifinals victory, Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes aren’t wasting any time preparing for what comes next. Reloading, not rebuilding, has become the standard in Coral Gables, and the next potential move could be massive.
Sam Leavitt Tops Programs Lining Up
According to On3 transfer portal insider Pete Nakos, Miami is set to host Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt on an official visit. Leavitt currently sits atop the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings, making him the No. 1 player and quarterback available this cycle.
Leavitt’s résumé speaks for itself. Over the past two seasons at Arizona State, he emerged as one of the most productive and competitive quarterbacks in the country, throwing for a combined 5,468 yards while helping guide the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff in 2024.
Although injuries limited his output during the 2025 season, NFL scouts and college programs alike remain sold on his talent, toughness, and upside.
NEW: Miami is expected to host a transfer portal QB in the near future, @PeteNakos reports🙌
View: https://t.co/zQmTh1dzai pic.twitter.com/IDtmBY5E59
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 9, 2026
That’s why his recruitment has quickly turned into a national arms race. Kentucky, LSU, Tennessee, and now Miami have all entered the fray as Leavitt does his due diligence. The timing of his Miami visit is especially intriguing, coming as the Hurricanes prepare for a national championship appearance.
Whether coincidence or calculated, it only strengthens Miami’s pitch, particularly for a quarterback who values winning and thrives under pressure. If Leavitt is searching for a program capable of developing him into an NFL quarterback, Miami checks every box.
Miami and OC Dawson Have a Proven Quarterback Blueprint
While Carson Beck may not have replicated the early dominance he showed at Georgia, his development in Miami tells a different story. Beck’s PFSN College QB Impact Grade jumped from 76.7 in 2024 to 83.3 in 2025, a leap that speaks volumes about offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson.
Dawson’s quarterback-friendly system and developmental track record are undeniable. He was also the driving force behind Cam Ward’s rise to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
That kind of résumé matters to a quarterback like Leavitt, whose long-term goal is the league.
The surrounding talent in Coral Gables only sweetens the deal. Star freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney has taken college football by storm, posting the second-highest PFSN College WR Impact score (86.0). Pairing Leavitt’s arm talent with Toney’s explosiveness would give Miami one of the most dangerous offensive cores in the nation.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, there’s also the competitive edge. Miami has a chance to win it all this season and potentially enter 2026 as the hunted rather than the hunter, a reality that fits perfectly with Leavitt’s fiery, fearless mentality. He’s the type of quarterback who embraces expectations, pressure, and the target on his back.
With elite coaching, NFL development, championship aspirations, and star power already in place, the stars appear to be aligning in Miami. If Cristobal lands Leavitt, the Hurricanes won’t just be replacing Beck; they’ll be positioning themselves to remain college football’s next great power.
