A top candidate could just have emerged for Miami Hurricanes’ 2026 starting quarterback
A notable name could be heading into the portal after the season.
The Miami Hurricanes have made a habit of using the transfer portal to find talented veteran signal callers, and it’s worked out very well for them over the last two years.
Cam Ward was a Heisman Trophy finalist and shattered Miami records in 2024 before becoming the first overall pick. Carson Beck hasn’t quite reached that level of success, but he’s been good enough to pace the Hurricanes to the edge of playoff consideration.
Now, a prime candidate could have just emerged for Mario Cristobal to set his sights on as his 2026 starter – Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt. Per On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos and Steve Wiltfong, it is “doubtful” that Leavitt will return to the Sun Devils next season and is exploring option in the transfer portal.
Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt could be a logical target for Miami for 2026
Sam Leavitt Career Stats
Passing:
2023 (Michigan State): 4 games, 65.2% completion rate, 139 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
2024 (Arizona State: 13 games, 61.7%, 2885 yards, 24 touchdowns, 6 interceptions
2025 (Arizona State): 7 games, 60.7%, 1628 yards, 10 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
Rushing:
2023: 13 carries, 67 yards
2024: 110 carries, 443 yards, 5 touchdowns
2025: 73 carries, 300 yards, 5 touchdowns
Leavitt burst on the scene last year in his first season with the Sun Devils, leading Arizona State to 11 wins, a Big 12 title, and a bye in the College Football Playoff. However, things haven’t gone as smoothly for Leavitt and the Sun Devils in 2025. Arizona State sits at 7-3 and out of playoff consideration, while Leavitt had surgery to fix a foot injury and is out for the season.
Miami has been aggressive in pursuing veteran quarterbacks in the portal, and they’ve been an attractive option to players from both a financial perspective and for providing an opportunity to improve their draft positions and to win.
The Hurricanes have freshman Luke Nickel waiting in the wings, and four-star Dereon Coleman is also coming in with the 2026 class. The future is certainly bright at the position.
However, Miami has shown that finding a veteran starter ready to hit the ground running is a path for success in today’s portal-centered college football world. We’ll see when the window opens up on January 2 if they can do it again.
College Football
ESPN writer points out major inconsistency by committee regarding the Miami Hurricanes in latest playoff rankings, and a crucial stat backs him up
The Hurricanes are the unfortunate exception to what’s been an otherwise constant rule by the selection committee.
