Every new college football season offers opportunities for less-heralded players to become household names.
In 2025, freshman sensations Malachi Toney and Bryce Fitzgerald, veteran defensive tackle Ahmad Moten, and transfer defensive backs Keionte Scott and Jakobe Thomas headlined Miami’s list of breakout stars.
Who will the rising stars be in 2026? CanesWear TV host Geo Milian joined me on my Locked On Canes podcast to break it down.
Defensive lineman Armondo Blount
Geo and I both have Blount at the top of our lists.
At 6-4, 270, Blount has the power to play inside, but also the explosion and agility to specialize at defensive end. While he might very well be the Canes’ top run-stopper at defensive end, there’s more to his game than that.
“I think they're underrating the aspect of how good of a pass rusher he can be,” Milian said. “The one thing that I've noticed since he's arrived here, his hand placement has been much more advanced for a defensive lineman compared to younger guys that arrive at different programs around the country, and he's continued to get stronger.”
As a sophomore in 2025, Blount registered 17 tackles, two and a half sacks, six QB hurries, and a fumble recovery. His reps will likely increase dramatically as a junior.
Linebacker Cameron “Bobby” Pruitt
Pruitt's explosive brand of violence can make him a valuable rotational linebacker this season.
He was a tad undersized in ’24 and ’25, but has added significant size to his upper body. Pruitt was previously a tweener between linebacker and safety, but now can move full time into the front seven.
Milian noted there has been “significant buzz” on Pruitt throughout the offseason. He’s been a standout on special teams. Last year, he recorded 10 tackles as a rotational linebacker. This season, he will likely be a key reserve behind veteran probable starters Mohamed Toure and Chase Smith.
Wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw
Upshaw doesn’t get talked about as much as fellow sophomores Malachi Toney and Joshua Moore, but this season could be his breakout.
He was a consistent playmaker in spring practice. The 6-0, 195-pounder has spent every time doing off-schedule workouts with quarterback Darian Mensah. The increasing chemistry between the two could pay off.
He caught seven passes for 105 yards last season, playing in just six games before suffering a season-ending injury.
Cornerback Ja’Boree Antoine
Miami has a pair of established cornerback starters with OJ Frederique and Xavier Lucas, but the depth behind them will be interesting to track.
Antoine was called upon in the playoffs last season as a true freshman, when the Canes were affected by depth and suspensions. He totaled seven tackles and a pass breakup.
Antoine will be competing for playing time with the likes of Damari Brown and Ethan O’Conner. If Antoine can get into Miami’s top four rotation at CB, he will see the field a lot.
