The Miami Hurricanes had one of the biggest turnarounds you’ll see from a unit from one year to the next. The Hurricanes’ defense was an abomination in 2024 that ultimately cost the team a trip to the College Football Playoff for the first time ever.
What a difference nine months made. Well, that and some serious turnover on the roster and on the coaching staff. In came new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, who proved to be as valuable as any coach in college football in 2025. Zac Etheridge and Will
Harris provided a steady hand guiding the secondary. And man, how the roster additions paid off.
Tennessee safety Jakobe Thomas came in and was a heat-seeking missile in the secondary. CB Xavier Lucas overcame the drama around his transfer from Wisconsin and made a big impact.
But it was at nickel where the biggest impact was felt this season in the transfer portal. Well, at least on the defensive side of the ball. Keionte Scott transferred in from Auburn over last offseason, and he turned into arguably the best defensive back in college football regardless of position.
All Scott did was make plays all over the field. He played up near the line and had the jets to blitz and create pressure or drop back and stick on slot receivers like gum to a hot, summer sidewalk. He was outstanding in run support and made plays against the run in the backfield. For the season, he totaled 64 combined tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions.
And I don’t need to remind you what he did with both of those interceptions, do I?
It’s as good of a season as I’ve seen from a Miami cornerback in I don’t know how long. A very, very long time. And it saddens me greatly that we won’t get to see him play again in a Hurricanes uniform. It also saddens me that an injury against Syracuse robbed him of what could have been a Thorpe Award; absolutely of being a finalist, no doubt.
Regardless, it was one of my favorite seasons from a Miami defender in a very long time. Thanks for the ride and the great memories, Keionte.
Go Canes!
