MIAMI FOOTBALL PREVIEW

RedHawks reload, but some questions remain

By MKE SMITH
Miami's bid for back-to-back MAC titles crashed big-time last December when Ohio thrashed MU 38-3 in Detroit. The RedHawks had defeated their arch-rival mid-season, but it was a completely different game in the second meeting. 
Although Toledo was a MAC Coaches Poll pick to prevail in 2025, both Miami and Ohio are in the conversation. The RedHawks were picked second, while the Bobcats were third. 
Actually, it largely depends . . . 

---

. . . on what source one consults as to where MU might finish. Predictions range from first to fourth. There are good reasons for the range. Miami lost a ton of talent  -- much through graduation and some through the portal. However, it also picked up some significant talent, as well. Remaining questions are mostly about the personnel along both lines.

Dequan Finn will finish a stellar MAC career as a RedHawk. The veteran knows the MAC and gives MU a true dual-treat quarterback. (MVSmith/MRO)

OFFENSE:
• Among the departed was veteran Brett Gabbert, setting up what originally looked like a "rebuilding" year. That view began to change when  Miami surprised the MAC world by landing QB Dequan Finn in the portal.
Finn starred for Toledo and faced Miami in the 2023 MAC championship game before transferring to Baylor. Injuries limited his opportunities/play with the Bears, and eventually he entered the portal again. To the surprise of many, he landed in Oxford. 
Finn gives the RedHawks much more than a savvy, veteran presence. He is a true dual-threat quarterback who can be elusive as a passer. That could be especially valuable as Miami works to develop a relatively inexperiened offensive line. 
Asked about Finn's own development in MU's offensive system, Head Coach Chuck Martin said the seventh year player has worked hard and progressed well. 

---

• The portal has brought in complimentary talent to reload the receiver room. Kam Perry (Indiana) was already here last year. However Deion Colzie (Notre Dame), Darion Williamson (Florida State) and Brady Simmons (Indiana) are new additions. The latter will start MU's opener, along with Perry and Colzie. 
Redshirt junior Brian Shane has worked his way into a shot at tight end, while R-So. Grant Leeper (6-5, 252) joins the mix after transferring in from Iowa. 

After missing 2024 due to injury, Kenny Tracy is back and hopes to enjoy more TD celebrations. (MVSmith/MRO)

• Keyon Mozee (1,098 yards, 4 TDs) and Kevin Davis (331 yards, 4 TDs) are both gone, but the RedHawks have some talent to shine if the line can open some creases. Kenny Tracy (5-10, 229), who missed all of 2024 due to injury, is back. Former Indiana Mr. Football Josh Ringer should get a lot more touches this year. The RedHawks also can turn to a pair of really big backs in various scenarios. Jordan Brunson (6-0, 230, R-Sr.) averaged 5.6 ypc and scored four TDs on 53 carries last year. He recorded two scores in Miami's bowl game win. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman D'Shawntae Jones (5-10, 248) is another option. 
• Redshirt senior Austin Uke appeared in 18 games over three years at Stanford, but is now elder statesman along a young offensive line. Two redshirt sophomores and a redshirt junior are likely to join him to start the opener. How well this unit develops will say a lot about how Miami's offense fares during conference play.

---

Eli Blakey registered 89 tackles and one interception on the way to Third Team All-MAC honors.

DEFENSE: 
• Defense has been a foundation for Miami success during most of Martin's time in Oxford. Last year, the RedHawks allowed 15.0 ppg in conference play. That was just a tenth behind league leader Ohio (14.9 ppg). Miami ranked second (MAC) in defending the run and third (MAC) against the pass. 
• As with the offense, the line may play a big part in overall effectiveness.. Nasir Washington (6-4, 270, R-Sr.) is the veteran up front, appearing in 13 games and with six starts in 2024. He and Roosevelt Andrews III (R-So, 264) hold down the tackle spots. Adam Trick (14 games, 3 starts in 2024) is at one end, while redshirt junior Josh Lukusa (13 games, 1 start in 2024) are at the ends. 
Perhaps the most concerning part of this is the depth. Redshirt freshmen and sophomores are listed as backups in multiple positions. 
• Linebacker-extraordinaire Matt Salopek (team-best 122 tackles) is gone. However, redshirt seniors Oscar McWood and Corban Hondru both have experience and are slated to start at the linebacker spots. Those two combined for 121 tackles in 2024. Malcolm McCain (6-1, 215, R-So) has impressed and should also see action. 
• The secondary should be a Miami strength, especially if the line can generate some pressure. Seniors Eli Blakey and Silas Walters were among MU's top playmakers last year, combining for 184 tackles. They'll be joined by cornerbacks Kaleb Martin and Toney Coleman Jr. 

---

Dom Dzioban has been a reliable weapon for the RedHawks. (MVSmith/MRO)

SPECIAL TEAMS: 
• Senior Dom Dzioban earned First Team All-MAC placekicking honors in 2024. He hit 26-of-30 field goals overall and knocked five through the uprights versus Central Michigan. His long was 51 yards.  
Pierse Stainton (South Florida) is slated to punt.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
Despite graduation and portal losses, Miami will have playmakers in many crucial spots around the football field. The big questions are along both lines. With a pair of Big Ten teams (Wisconsin and Rutgers) early in the schedule, Martin has acknowleged it will be trial by fire for many players. Regardless, getting to MAC play relatively healthy will be important. Some people will need to step up.
After the Big Ten road tests, Miami gets a bye week before hosting UNLV and Lindenwood. 
The MAC opener is a tough assignment as MU visits Northern Illinois. 
After another road test at Akron, the RedHawks host Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan. 
November's schedule could be the toughest among MAC teams. The RedHawks start at Ohio. They then host Toledo before traveling to Buffalo. All three are major conference contenders. 
The season finale is a Nov. 29 home game against Ball State. 

---