2025 Miami Hurricanes College Football Preview Part 1 | Defense

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Miami, Florida – Ladies and gentlemen, College Football is back as Miami Hurricanes fans eagerly await the highly anticipated 2025 season. It’s Year 4 of the Mario Cristobal era, and expectations are even higher than before as UM starts the year ranked tenth in the country. Despite a disappointing end to the 2024 campaign, coach Cristobal led the Hurricanes to their first 10-win season since 2017, including their first undefeated home record since 2002. With tough losses at Georgia Tech and Syracuse, Miami missed out on both the ACC Championship and the College Football Playoff, losing its sixth bowl game in a row to Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Although UM was the number one offense in the country, leading the nation in total yards per game (537.2) and touchdowns (73), its defense, specifically the secondary, was outmatched. Considering the struggles, they will go first in this two-part preview.

Let Mario Cristobal explain why new DC Corey Hetherman was the perfect choice to lead the Miami Hurricanes' defense.

Coach joined me this week on @LockedOnCanes pic.twitter.com/vlkLfDbSMh

— Alex Donno (@AlexDonno) July 24, 2025

The secondary was exposed throughout the ACC schedule, with the collapse at Syracuse being the most painful instance, dooming the Canes’ postseason hopes. Since then, Cristobal revamped the defense by naming a new defensive coordinator and adding portal transfers, complemented by returning players. Arriving from the University of Minnesota, Corey Hetherman guided one of the best defenses (statistically) in the country as the Golden Gophers finished 8-5 overall and 5-4 in the Big Ten. Minnesota was ninth nationally in points allowed (averaging 16.9 per game), tied for seventh in interceptions (22), and fifth in total defense (285.7 yards allowed per game).

They were stingy against the run (12th nationally, 109.6 per game) and the pass (tied for ninth with 176.1). Hetherman is charged with turning the defense into a group opposing teams dread. Let’s illustrate some of the players fans will be keeping an eye on.

It begins in the trenches

Former ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Rueben Bain, Jr. leads this core. The Bain Train missed a good chunk of the 2024 season, recording 23 tackles (14 solo) and 3.5 sacks. The junior hopes to stay healthy and repeat the dominance he showed in 2023. Ahkeem Mesidor is back after finishing last year tied for the most sacks (5.5), in addition to nine tackles for loss. The sixth-year redshirt senior is part of a mere handful of returning starters on defense. Miami is relying on Mesidor’s experience to help pressure opposing QBs. Now for the new faces.

#Miami DL Reuben Bain Jr.

Speed, power, explosiveness. Good engine. Disruptive in passing situations.

18 TFL’s & 11 sacks in 20 career games. Some Jared Verse in his game. pic.twitter.com/x4DUBLacFw

— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) June 20, 2025

Louisiana Tech transfer David Blay, Jr., is an adaptable lineman who can work either inside or out. Blay logged 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks, earning All-Conference USA First Team recognition. Ahmad Moten joins the line, serving his third year with the program. Moten should see a bigger role after tallying 18 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and two pass deflections. Next up is Justin Scott. He played 11 games his freshman year as a reserve behind Simeon Barrow, C.J. Clark, and Marley Cook, logging seven tackles, two tackles-for-loss, and a sack. The former five-star prospect is poised to be a consistent presence. Youngsters Donta Simpson and Artavius Jones will be depth pieces.

Defensive line coaches Damione Lewis and Jason Taylor are tasked with developing the unit, especially during the early challenges in the schedule. Lewis spent a year at Colorado working in the same position before returning to his alma mater. The former Cane played from 1996-2000, amassing 220 tackles and 15.5 sacks before being selected 12th overall in the 2001 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams.

Confidence level: 8/10

With Bain and Mesidor, the D-line should remain as good if not better than last year. Jason Taylor is the only position coach left standing, and the tandem with Damione Lewis should pay dividends. Throw in Hetherman’s aggressive 4-2-5 defense that helped elevate Minnesota to respectable levels, and we might see this group wreak havoc.

Secondary: Something to prove

This is the area that must improve if Miami has any hope of making it to the postseason. Although the Canes lost leading tackler Francisco Mauigoa and Daryl Porter, Jr. to the NFL, they still have veteran Wesley Bissainthe. The senior chalked up 59 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, two sacks, and an interception in 2024.  Miami will also have returning players Raul Aguirre, Jr., and former Louisville transfer Jaylin Alderman. Aguirre recovered a fumble, made a sack, and had 27 tackles. Alderman contributed 24 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, and a sack.

3 and Long

WESLEY BISSAINTHE WITH A CRAZY HIT pic.twitter.com/XrKJpGdNE6

— Grant Speaks (@GrantSpeaks1) October 6, 2024

Pushing into the defensive backs, the Hurricanes invested heavily in the portal. Redshirt sophomore Zechariah Poyser was considered one of the top-ranked players in the transfer portal. He was a menace on the field for Jacksonville State, accumulating 77 tackles, three interceptions, and eight pass deflections. If you like Poyser, you’ll love Xavier Lucas. The former Badger totaled 18 tackles, a sack, an INT, and two deflections his freshman year. He was the best cornerback transfer, according to 247Sports. Lucas will be playing alongside rising star O.J. Frederique. He posted 30 tackles, seven deflections, and an interception.

Quick Highlight of New Miami Safety Zechariah Poyser. A rangy, athletic safety with a knack for being in the right place at the right time.

Instinctual playmaker who wins matchups with anticipation and physicality. Big hitter. pic.twitter.com/72HBSaPwrn

— art (@canefilms) December 17, 2024

Experienced Tennessee transfer Jakobe Thomas put up 130 tackles, seven TFL, and 14 pass deflections. Charles “Chuck” Brantley spent four years at Michigan State, notching 27 tackles, three picks, and seven deflections in his final season. Washington State transfer Ethan O’Connor is another cornerback who should make an immediate impact. Auburn transfer Keionte Scott adds more experience and can be a key player. UM gets back Jadais Richard and Damari Brown, players whose season was cut short due to injuries. Junior Markeith Williams saw action throughout 2024 and hopes for more in ’25. This area also saw personnel changes. Zac Etheridge, formerly of Houston and Auburn, is the new cornerbacks coach, replacing Chevis Jackson.

Xavier Lucas is officially a Miami Hurricane #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/3ZFW0lnJvt

— Florida Boy Corey 🌴🍊🌊☀️ (@floridaboycorey) January 17, 2025

Confidence level: 7/10

I am cautiously optimistic. They say our DBs are really good, but that’s why the games are played. If they don’t get burned by weaker teams and are noticeably better, that’s a win in my book. Notre Dame will set the tone.

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