Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes have been incredibly active in the transfer portal this year, landing some big-time players like QB Carson Beck, CB Xavier Lucas, and DL David Blay Jr.
On Tuesday, they picked up another elite transfer prospect, adding former Cincinnati Bearcats WR Tony Johnson.
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At 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, Johnson is a smaller slot receiver, but he is quick and electric with the ball in his hands and has improved every season of his career. He started with Florida Atlantic for the first two seasons in college, catching 60 passes for 669 yards and seven touchdowns in two years. In one season with Cincinnati in 2024, Johnson added 48 catches for 449 yards and 6 touchdowns.
The addition of Johnson is an important one for Miami, especially after losing Xavier Restrepo to the NFL this year. Johnson will come in and compete for a starting spot with the likes of CJ Daniels, Joshisa, Trader, and Malachi Toney.
The Hurricanes are also expected to lean heavily on Elija Lofton in the passing game this year, which will eat into the target load for the receivers. However, with a new QB at the helm with Beck, it will be a wide open competition for the guys to develop a rapport with the passer and grow their role in the offense.
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No matter who ends up stepping in and becoming the WR1, there are some high expectations for the Hurricanes going into this season. According to On3’s Andy Staples, they are ranked as the No. 20 team in the nation following the spring football season, and are expecting to be in the mix for a College Football Playoff spot when all is said and done.
Related: Two Sun Devils Projected as Top-10 Picks in PFF’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft
