Five Miami Hurricanes Players Who Boosted Their Stock During Spring Practices

As the sun set on the Miami Hurricanes’ final spring practice, a new sense of optimism began to rise in Coral Gables. With head coach Mario Cristobal entering a pivotal season at the helm, the pressure is on for the ‘Canes to take the next step toward ACC contention and national relevance. While much of the conversation has focused on incoming transfers and five-star recruits, the real stories of the spring were the players who already had their lockers inside the Hecht Athletic Center — and used spring ball to change their trajectory.

Some were underclassmen looking to make a name. Others were upperclassmen finally finding their groove in a new system. Regardless of age or background, these five Hurricanes didn’t just show up — they stood out. Whether it was through improved technique, refined football IQ, or simply taking advantage of an opportunity, they’ve gone from afterthoughts to front-runners for starting roles or major snaps heading into fall camp.

Let’s dive into the five Miami Hurricanes who most improved their standing during 2025 spring practices.

1. QB Reese Poffenbarger – From Albany Transfer to Legit QB2 Threat

When Miami brought in Reese Poffenbarger from FCS-level Albany, most viewed him as a depth piece — an experienced, steady presence behind Emory Williams and the highly anticipated return of a healthy Jacurri Brown. Few expected the transfer to challenge for anything more than clipboard duty.

Fast forward to the end of spring, and Poffenbarger has firmly entrenched himself in the quarterback conversation. With Brown still recovering from offseason surgery and Williams dealing with inconsistent play, Poffenbarger has been the most efficient and steady presence under center.

Known for his high football IQ and quick release, the 6-foot signal-caller showcased poise in the pocket and a knack for placing the ball where only his receivers could get it. His performance during the spring scrimmages — particularly a 3-touchdown outing during the second closed scrimmage — caught the attention of both players and coaches.

Mario Cristobal on Poffenbarger:

“He’s picked up the offense fast. Doesn’t flinch. He’s decisive and has that natural leadership. You want the ball in his hands.”

It’s not just talk. Poffenbarger has taken second-team reps and even a few with the first-team offense late in camp. If Brown isn’t 100% by fall, don’t be shocked if Poffenbarger starts the season as the primary backup — or even more if things break his way.

2. WR Isaiah Horton – Finally Flashing His Potential

For two seasons, Isaiah Horton was a tantalizing “what if.” With his 6-foot-4 frame and explosive athleticism, fans wondered when the light would turn on for the former 4-star recruit from Tennessee.

This spring, it finally did.

Horton was arguably the most improved player on the offensive side of the ball. While Miami brought in transfer help at receiver, including Houston’s Sam Brown and Alabama’s Isaiah Bond, Horton made a case to stay in the rotation with a dominant string of practices. He consistently won one-on-one matchups, improved his route-running, and became a red zone nightmare with his size and body control.

One of the spring’s viral highlights? Horton skying over a pair of defensive backs to haul in a 50-50 ball from Poffenbarger during a red zone period. It wasn’t just flash, either — Horton showed better hands and a deeper understanding of spacing and timing in Shannon Dawson’s offense.

WRs Coach Kevin Beard:

“Isaiah came in hungry. He’s matured. He knows what it takes now, and you can see it — he’s a different player.”

In a room that’s deep but still figuring itself out, Horton has put himself in the conversation not just for playing time — but for a starting spot.

3. LB Raul Aguirre – Emerging Force in the Middle

The linebacker room has been a sore spot for Miami in recent years. Missed tackles, poor angles, and a lack of sideline-to-sideline playmaking had become recurring themes — until now. One of the brightest developments this spring was the emergence of sophomore Raul Aguirre as a tone-setting force in the middle.

Aguirre, a former 4-star recruit from Georgia, showed flashes in limited action last season but was buried behind veterans. With the departure of Francisco Mauigoa to the NFL and some reshuffling at the position, Aguirre seized his opportunity and didn’t look back.

Physical, instinctive, and vocal, Aguirre played like a man with something to prove. Whether it was filling the gap in run support or sniffing out screens and draws, he was everywhere. His improved play recognition and reaction time allowed him to consistently be in the right spot, and his motor earned praise from the coaching staff.

Defensive Coordinator Lance Guidry:

“Raul’s one of those guys who just loves football. He’s in the film room all the time, and it shows. He’s made the biggest jump from last year to now.”

If Aguirre continues on this trajectory, he could be the answer Miami has long needed in the heart of its defense — a true every-down linebacker who can cover, tackle, and lead.

4. OL Matthew McCoy – From Depth to Dominant

The offensive line is often a thankless position, but Matthew McCoy made sure his name was one to remember this spring. A redshirt sophomore, McCoy arrived at Miami as a high-upside developmental player. After two years of adding size, refining his technique, and adjusting to college speed, the 6-foot-6, 310-pounder appears ready to take on a starting role.

While the focus has largely been on left tackle Jalen Rivers and transfer center Zach Carpenter, McCoy quietly turned heads at right guard. His run-blocking was powerful and consistent, routinely driving defenders off the ball in inside zone and power schemes. But where he truly surprised was in pass protection — stoning defensive tackles with improved footwork and anchor strength.

Offensive line coach Alex Mirabal, known for being tough on his players, couldn’t hide his satisfaction.

Mirabal on McCoy:

“He’s been a beast this spring. The maturity is there now. He’s playing with confidence, and when he locks in, not many can move him.”

With a starting spot up for grabs on the interior, McCoy might have just slammed the door on the competition.

5. CB Damari Brown – Stepping Into the Spotlight

With his older brother transferring to Florida State, Damari Brown could have faded into the background — but instead, he chose to rise. The sophomore cornerback emerged as one of Miami’s most dependable defenders this spring, consistently locking down receivers in one-on-ones and showing improved physicality at the line of scrimmage.

Brown has clearly benefited from the presence of veteran safety Kamren Kinchens and cornerback coach Jahmile Addae, who’s helped refine his technique. His instincts and recovery speed stood out throughout camp, and he was one of the few DBs to consistently match up with Bond and Horton in space.

One moment that stood out was a crucial red zone period in the final spring scrimmage, where Brown jumped a slant route for a would-be pick-six. The play drew raucous cheers from the sideline and a chest bump from Cristobal himself.

Cristobal on Damari Brown:

“He’s tough. He’s smart. He’s growing into the kind of corner who can be trusted against top receivers. That’s what we need.”

With Miami looking to solidify its secondary, especially with departures and injuries thinning the group, Brown’s emergence could not have come at a better time. Don’t be surprised if he’s CB2 when the season kicks off — or even CB1 by the time it ends.

More Than Just Five

While these five players clearly improved their standing the most, they weren’t alone. The spring was a showcase of depth development for the Hurricanes, something the program has sorely lacked in recent years.

Other honorable mentions include:

• DL Rueben Bain Jr. – Picking up where he left off as a freshman phenom. Unblockable at times.
• RB Chris Johnson – Blistering speed, added strength, potential change-of-pace weapon.
• TE Riley Williams – Becoming a reliable target over the middle with a growing catch radius.
• S Markeith Williams – Emerged as a candidate to start opposite Kinchens after a strong spring.

The spring isn’t about crowning champions — it’s about planting seeds. For Cristobal and the Hurricanes, this spring provided hope that the roster is finally rounding into form with the right mix of experience, young talent, and internal development. While the transfer portal will still shape the final 2025 roster, these five players made it clear they don’t plan to sit back and watch newcomers take their spots.

In a season where Cristobal’s rebuild must start producing wins, the Hurricanes need difference-makers — not just five-star transfers, but players already in the building ready to take that leap.

And thanks to a spring of grit, grind, and growth, these five just might be leading the charge.