UNDER the SCOPE: Linebackers

May 25, 2026

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Every season is a new season in college football since the emergence of NIL and the transfer portal. This series will break down, by position, the talent and potential of each position group.

Today, we examine Miami’s LINEBACKER room.

OVERVIEW:

Miami carried twelve linebackers (Raul Aguirre Jr., Jaylin Alderman, Wesley Bissainthe, Kamal Bonner, Malik Bryant,  Adarius Hayes, Ezekiel Marcelin Jr., Cam Pruitt, Chase Smith, Mohamed Toure, Bobby Washington Jr., Kellen Wiley Jr.) on the 2025 roster. Through loss of eligibility, dismissal and/or transfer, the Canes have lost Raul Aguirre Jr., Jaylin Alderman, Wesley Bissainthe, Malik Bryant,  Adarius Hayes, and Bobby Washington Jr..

Miami is faced with a near total rebuild of this room. The Canes will depend on two veterans and a handful of talented but young linebackers to stabilize the second level of the defense. It’s a room that must get better for Miami’s defense to remain a forceful the Canes.

Miami prefers to carry 9-10 LB on the roster. Look for Miami to sign 2-3 linebackers in the 2027 recruiting class.

RETURNING LETTERMEN:

Miami returns five linebacker from the 2025 squad including Mohamed Toure, Kamal Bonner, Ezekiel Marcelin Jr., Cam Pruitt, and Kellen Wiley Jr.. In addition, Miami has moved EDG Herbert Scroggins III to the linebacker room.

INCOMING TRANSFERS:

Miami did not sign any transfer linebackers over the winter.

INCOMING FRESHMEN:

Miami signed two incoming freshmen linebackers in Justin Edwards and Karsten Busch.

The ROOM: (alphabetical order)

Kamal Bonner

Karsten Busch.

Justin Edwards

Ezekiel Marcelin Jr.,

Mohamed Toure,

Cam Pruitt

Herbert Scroggins III

Kellen Wiley Jr.

TOP RECRUITING TARGETS:

The coaching staff is always looking to the future, stashing blue chip talent. With such high attrition in 2026, look for Miami to take 3-4 linebackers in their 2027 class.

At this time, Miami has prioritized Aroson Randle Jr. (committed), Kaden Henderson, Noah Glover, Jalaythan Mayfield and Drew Williams .

BOTTOM LINE:

Miami’s linebacker room is thin and will depend on young bucks to step up this season. The Canes must reload on the recruiting trail this cycle.

Check back often for the latest update on the Canes’ progress on the recruiting trail.

GO CANES!