IRON sharpens IRON… ’26 RB

The 2025 season is over. The portal season is in the books with the #4 portal class. Coach Cristobal is now focused on Spring Practice.

Competition will always be a cornerstone of Miami football under Mario Cristobal. Greentree is famous as a place where “iron sharpens iron.”

This series will focus on the competition at each position group going into spring practice. Pure competition.

Our first edition of “IRON” breaks down our RUNNING BACK room in 2026.

Talent Collection:

Miami goes into spring with five running backs in competition for a significant role in 2026.

In alphabetical order…

Marty Brown:

Brown played an important role in 2025, taking some of the load off Mark Fletcher with his power running. In 2026, he will push Mark to be the best version himself.

Mark Fletcher:

Fletcher is expected to be Miami’s featured back. He brings size, power and long speed. Will he continue his trajectory in 2026?

Jordan Lyle:

Lyle was the starter going into last season before injury marred his season. Is he physically ready to again make a run for a major role in Miami’s season? The talent is there.

Javian Mallory:

Mallory is a raw but gifted true freshman. It will be a transition year for him, as he acclimates to college life and the level of competition at the college level.

Gerald Pringle:

Pringle is another talented back that offers an important change of pace of pace to Miami’s power running game? He’s quick and agile, Can he sharpen his pass blocking skills and become a complete back?

BOTTOM LINE:

Miami is very deep and talented at running back. The Canes could potentially have the best running back room in the ACC, possibly the nation. Competition on Greentree will sharpen the “iron” and be a determining factor.

In our next edition, we will break down Miami’s DEFENSIVE TACKLES.

GO CANES!