PORTAL REPORT: December 17, 2025

Talent acquisition never ends at Miami.

Even while the coaching staff prepares the Canes for the first round of the college football playoffs, the recruiting department is hard at work identifying and evaluating potential transfer prospects. And it all starts with quarterbacks.

To date, four college quarterbacks Miami might have interest in have announced their intention to enter the transfer portal on January 2, 2026. Additional prospects are projected to enter the portal but have not yet decided if he will remain at their present school. Additional quarterbacks may also enter the portal in two weeks.

Let’s do a quick review of six potential portal quarterbacks.

In alphabetical order…

CJ Bailey (NC State)

Bailey is a rising junior and a native of Hollywood, FL. At 6’-6”/210, Bailey brings two years of ACC starting experience should he choose to enter the transfer portal. Bailey has thrown for more than 2,000 yards in each of his first two seasons with the Wolfpack. In 2025, Bailey threw for 2,884 passing yards (69.6% completion rate) with 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

DJ Lagway (Florida)

Lagway is a rising junior from Willis, TX. The coaching situation in Gainesville has driven this dual-threat quarterback with very high potential to the portal. At 6’-4”/247, Lagway has a huge frame and natural arm talent. Still a work in progress and hasn’t quite broken out. But the elite tools are obvious. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

Sam Leavitt (Arizona State)

Leavitt is from West Linn, Oregon and is a rising RS-junior. He has not announced his decision to enter the portal. It may depend on the status of Dante Moore at Oregon. At 6’-2”/205 Leavitt is an intriguing dual-threat quarterback that broke out at Arizona State before his injury last season. Confident and patient passer, good with his progressions and is very mobile. In 2025, before his injury, Leavitt threw for 1,628 yards, 10 TDs and 3 INT. He also ran for 306 yards and another 3 touchdowns. Currently rehabbing from foot surgery and may miss spring practice wherever he chooses to play.

Drew Mestemaker (North Texas)

Mestemaker, a rising sophomore, is from Austin, TX. He is one of the top Group of Five quarterbacks in 2025. At 6’4”/211, Mestemaker, a true freshman, threw for 4,129 yards (70.2%), 31 touchdowns against only 7 INTs. He also ran for another five touchdowns. He played in Eric Morris’ air raid offense, making him a very good fit for Dawson’s offense at Miami. Some feel he will go with his head coach, Eric Morris, to Oklahoma State. Others are not so sure.

Kenny Minchey (Notre Dame)

Minchey is from Hendersonville, TN. In 2025, Minchey was in a tight battle with CJ Carr for the starting role for the Irish. At 6’-2”/208, Minchey has good athleticism and mobility to extend plays with his feet. Has demonstrated a quick release and a strong arm capable of making throws to all levels of the field. He is now looking for a chance to play. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

Dylan Raiola (Nebraska)

Raiola is from Buford, GA. and is a rising RS sophomore. At 6’-3”230, Raiola is a high upside pocket passer with a cannon arm that can be effective to all levels of the field. Moves well in the pocket, for his size. In 2025, Raiola passed for 2,000 yards (72.4% completion rate) and 18 touchdowns against six interceptions in nine games before injury. He’s still a work in progress especially with the mental side of quarterbacking. Could be a true difference maker on Saturdays and beyond. He’s looking for a place to breakout .

Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati)

Sorsby, a fifth-year senior, is from Lake Dallas, TX. At 6’-3’/235, Sorsby is a dual-threat quarterback who brings a ton of college game experience and production. In 2025, kept the Bearcats in the CFP hunt with 2,800 passing yards (completing 61.6%) and 27 touchdowns and just five interceptions while rushing for 580 yards and nine additional touchdowns.

BOTTOM LINE:

It will be interesting to see if Miami goes to the portal again in 2026. The young kids in the stable may be ready to take control of the reigns. If not, there’s a talented group about to enter the transfer portal.

GO CANES!