Miami Hurricanes Revamp Special Teams Ahead of 2026 Campaign

Miami Hurricanes enter the 2026 season with a revamped special‑teams roster, adding fresh talent and retaining key playmakers as they prepare for their opener against Stanford Cardinal on 2026-09-05. After a historic run to the national championship game, the Hurricanes must replace a departed kicker and primary returner while leaning on proven veterans to keep opponents off balance.

Who left the unit?

For the second straight year, Miami loses its starting kicker. Andy Borregales departed for the NFL after 2024, and both transfer additions—Bert Auburn and Carter Davis—have moved on. Davis, a Fort Lauderdale native, posted a 81.2 field‑goal grade (43rd nationally) and led the nation with an 86‑touchback rate on 94 kickoffs, but missed three crucial attempts in the playoff loss at Texas A&M. Auburn saw only one field‑goal attempt before exiting the program.

Who returns to anchor the unit?

Sophomore wide receiver Malachi Toney, a dual‑threat star who also excelled as a punt returner, is back for his second season. He logged 23 punt returns for 290 yards last year, including a near‑touchdown 55‑yard return against Texas A&M. While coaches may limit his return duties to protect his health, his versatility remains a strategic asset. Senior punter Dylan Joyce returns after a career‑best season, averaging 44.4 yards per punt and pinning opponents inside the 20‑yard line 23 times, earning an 82.5 PFF grade that ranked fourth nationally.

Who arrived to fill the gaps?

The Hurricanes turned to the transfer portal again, bringing in former Florida State kicker Jake Weinberg and Northwestern veteran Jack Olsen. Olsen, now in his sixth collegiate season, adds experience and depth, giving head coach a flexible lineup for the upcoming schedule. Junior running back Jordan Lyle, who saw limited return action in 2024, is a candidate to inherit the primary kick‑return role vacated by Keelan Marion, who logged 12 returns for 293 yards last season.

What does this mean for Miami's 2026 outlook?

Special teams often dictate field position, and Miami’s new mix of seasoned specialists and emerging talent could tilt the balance in tight ACC matchups. If Toney’s punt‑return ability is preserved and Lyle steps up as a reliable returner, the Hurricanes will have a chance to start drives deeper in opponent territory. Meanwhile, maintaining Joyce’s punting excellence and integrating the new kickers will be essential to avoid the missed field goals that haunted the playoff run. The revamped unit aims to protect the Hurricanes’ momentum as they chase another conference title.

What comes next?

Miami’s first test arrives on the road against Stanford Cardinal on September 5, 2026. A strong special‑teams performance could set the tone for a season that hopes to build on the previous year’s near‑championship run while navigating the inevitable roster turnover that college football brings.