Seven new players have recently joined the Miami football program for the 2024 season, boasting impressive achievements at the FBS level throughout their collegiate careers. Among these additions, four transfers from Miami have secured All-Conference honors in defense, while three have done so in offense. Notably, five of these transfers have earned their All-Conference accolades while playing for Power Five programs.
Leading the pack is Damien Martinez, the former running back from Oregon State, who clinched first-team All Pac-12 recognition in both 2022 and 2023. During his freshman year in 2022, Martinez showcased his prowess by ranking fourth in the Pac-12 with an average of 75.54 rushing yards per game, totaling 982 yards and seven touchdowns.
His sophomore season saw a further improvement, averaging 98.75 rushing yards per game, amassing 1,185 yards and seven touchdowns, securing him the second position in Pac-12 rushing. Martinez was also honored as the Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2022, setting high expectations for his anticipated preseason All-ACC recognition this summer.
Joining Martinez are notable players such as center Zach Carpenter, defensive lineman Simeon Barrow, quarterback Cam Ward, and wide receiver Sam Brown, all of whom have previously received accolades in Power Conferences during their collegiate journeys. Carpenter, initially signed with Michigan as a guard in the 2019 class before transferring to Indiana in 2021, where he showcased versatility playing both center and guard positions.
Below is a summary of the transfer players and their respective conference recognitions:
- Simeon Barrow: All-Big Ten honorable mention selection in 2022 and 2023.
- Sam Brown: Honorable Mention All-Big XII in 2023.
- Damien Martinez: All Pac-12 First-team in 2022 and 2023.
- Cam Ward: Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 in 2023.
- Elijah Alston: Third-Team All-Sun Belt in 2023.
- Marley Cook: First Team Pro Football Focus All-CUSA in 2022.
- Zach Carpenter: Honorable Mention All-Big 10 in 2023.
