Under the Scope: Defensive Backs

Miami’s 2025 defensive backfield underwent a massive turnover before this season. It has resulted in one of the best backends in the ACC. However, the Canes must again reload with blue chip talent for 2026 and beyond.

Miami's defensive backs exhausting their eligibility after this season include Briton Allen, Charles Brantley, Jadais Richard, Keionte Scott, Isaiah Taylor, and Jakobe Thomas.

The projected starters in 2026 are CB OJ Frederique Jr.,CB Xavier Lucas, S Zechariah Poyser and S/CB Damari Brown, with Bryce Fitzgerald, Dylan Day, Ethan O'Connor, Chris Ewald Jr., Ja'Boree Antoine, Ryan Mack and Amari Wallace fighting for larger roles in 2026.

Assuming there are no de-commitments before the early signing period, the Canes will welcome true freshmen CB Camdin Portis, CB Jaelen Waters, S Cortez Redding, CB Brody Jennings, CB Jontavius Wyman in 2026.

Miami would like to sign at least one more 2026 prospect, particularly at safety. At this time, the Canes are targeting DB Justice Fitzpatrick, S Devin Jackson and S Jamar Owens. All are committed to other schools, thus must flip their commitment to Miami over the next nine weeks or so.

Eligibility Matrix:

Seniors - Briton Allen, Charles Brantley, Jadais Richard, Keionte Scott, Isaiah Taylor, and Jakobe Thomas.

Juniors - none

Sophomores - OJ Frederique Jr., Xavier Lucas, Damari Brown, , Ethan O'Connor, Dylan Day, Zechariah Poyser

Freshmen - Amari Wallace, Ryan Mack, Bryce Fitzgerald, Chris Ewald Jr. and Ja'Boree Antoine

Verbal Commitments:

Camdin Portis, Jaelen Waters, Cortez Redding, Brody Jennings, Jontavius Wyman

Top Remaining Recruiting Targets:

DB Justice Fitzpatrick*, S Devin Jackson*, S Jamar Owens*

BOTTOM LINE:

Miami, overall, is in good shape at the defensive back positions, but must continue to stack blue chip talent at safety.

GO CANES!