The Portal is closed and the 2026 Canes are coming into focus. Steve @k9cane Kim joined the CanesInSight Podcast to discuss where the Canes stand. A full transcript of that conversation is below:
Peter Ariz: I saw your spot with Coach JB, Smitty—where you said what I’ve been saying: don’t blame Miami, blame the system. I wanted to hear your view of the Mensah process and how it played out.
Steve “K9” Kim: The system is the system. I actually give Dabo Swinney credit in the sense that he laid it out. Love him or hate him, he’s probably the one guy who doesn’t back channel or tamper—and that’s why he can be so out front. But everybody is doing it. Fresno State has issues with Ole Miss around a wide receiver—this is the world now.
As long as everyone is operating on the same level playing field, I can handle it—because in the past it was not. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Charlie Francis, the track coach who engineered Ben Johnson—1988 Olympics, Ben pulled away from Carl Lewis. Francis said something so honest it was almost too blunt: “What Ben Johnson did is what everyone’s doing. It’s a level playing field—just not the one you think it’s on.”
Right now, whatever people think, it’s a level playing field. Until rules and enforcement actually change, the game is the game.
Peter Ariz: That Notre Dame reporter comment when Mensah and Barkate committed—“I’m sure Miami did everything completely clean here”—I’m like, come on. You can’t act sanctimonious if Notre Dame is offering Barkate a million-plus before he’s even in the portal. Everyone has the opportunity to do the same thing right now.
And you made this point too: Miami’s roster was under assault. If people think programs aren’t looking at Miami’s depth chart trying to pick guys off, making contact, back-channeling—naive. We’re big boys. Easy come, easy go.
Jordan Seaton is a good example—Miami wanted him. Didn’t get him. But you sent a clip in the group chat from Matt McChesney, Colorado voice, former NFL guy, talking about concerns with Seaton’s behavior and how he handled NIL money. It raised the “maybe we dodged a bullet” angle.
Steve “K9” Kim: I did. Again, I don’t know the kid personally, so I’m careful. But if you’re bringing certain things into a locker room, it can have an effect. I also think Lane might be equipped to handle a guy like that year one—some programs can gamble early. But where Miami is right now under Cristobal, there’s a character threshold. Based on what McChesney was saying, I can see why you’d say Miami may have dodged a bullet.
Peter Ariz: And this is why I keep calling it Miami’s “portal retention” as much as portal haul. You can’t win them all—but what you retain that you actually want is underrated. Let’s talk running backs.
Steve “K9” Kim: I tweeted this Sunday heading out to Coach JB’s. I was surprised, and I think most of us were, that Jordan Lyle stayed. I thought he was headed somewhere else—no hard feelings, kids want carries. But for Miami to retain him plus get Pringle back in the fold—and now you’re talking a four-deep chart with Javion Mallory coming in—that’s a tremendous job.
Jordan Lyle flashed as a freshman—longest run in Miami history at the end of that USF game. He got the first carries against Notre Dame. He was a top-100 type recruit we flipped from Ohio State. To keep him with all the external pressure, all the calls he probably got, that matters. The retention piece is a huge part of this.
Peter Ariz: It also makes you look at “year three” guys. Someone asked DMoney and me about Cole McConathy—if he’s still here, staff wants him, and he’s committed to pushing through injuries. People forget he played important snaps as a true freshman. Long season exposed depth issues—especially at corner later.
Steve “K9” Kim: Here’s my theory: schedule length changes everything. Back in the day it’s 11, then 12. You’re playing 13 games with a bowl. Then 15. Now with the playoff, 16 or 17. Miami’s health was pretty good, but by Virginia Tech in Blacksburg you started to see the fraying at the edges.
Reality now: every position outside quarterback, you need at least one extra body more than you thought you needed, maybe two. Defensive line especially—you’re not asking Rueben Bain or Mesidor to play 60 snaps every week. You’re asking if your 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th guy can give you five or six snaps that matter.
After the bye, you can end up playing eight straight on the back end. Every snap counts.
Peter Ariz: And if you don’t get the bye in the 12-team format—imagine the extra game stress. I don’t care what anyone says: give me the bye. One less game.
Steve “K9” Kim: Exactly. Miami not winning the ACC this year ended up being a blessing in one way—they needed that bye going into Kyle Field. And I’m also a believer blowouts matter. Not “style points,” but development and depth. Put up 45 early, empty the bench, keep bodies fresh, give players real snaps. Not every game should be a 12-round war.
This offense can be built for blowouts here and there.
Peter Ariz: That’s a key point: blowouts as depth-building. You also had a story from Cotton Bowl tailgate about Popo Aguirre’s dad.
Steve “K9” Kim: Yeah—Popo Aguirre’s father. Nice guy. He basically said, “My son’s not getting snaps.” And I told him respectfully: we’re in the playoffs, Popo has a role, he’s developing, let it play out. When Mr. Aguirre says “it’s not about the money,” I believe him. It wasn’t purely financial. It was opportunity. And once Mohamed Toure got that extra year, that’s a fatal combo for someone trying to climb.
That’s the new college football.
Peter Ariz: And the “stick with it” stories might not exist anymore. You gave an example—Devon Johnson, and then Randy Bethel later.
Steve “K9” Kim: Right. Devon Johnson bounced positions, then finally became a pretty good slot receiver late—took years. That arc is rare now because on both ends: you might get processed out, or you might leave saying “I’m not getting opportunities.”
And the bigger point: if you’re getting paid, there’s an expectation of production from day one. Eyes are on you—effort, behavior, practice habits. People are judging: do we stick with this kid?
Peter Ariz: The closest example on the roster might be Ahmad Moten—slow build, then big moments late.
Steve “K9” Kim: That’s a good one. And that’s why I keep bringing up guys like McConathy, or even Jackson Carver. If you’re still here, it usually means staff sees a path and you’re willing to grind.
Also—this is more marathon than ever. If you’re going to make a deep playoff run again, you need 75–80 guys who can do something.
Peter Ariz: Let’s get to the offense—Darian Mensah. You tweeted about 45-plus.
Steve “K9” Kim: We did that two years ago—45 points, number one in the country. People want to doubt Shannon Dawson, but we’ve seen the ceiling.
Mensah does not have to be Cam Ward. Ward was the number one pick. Mensah doesn’t have to be that. He needs to be a top-10 quarterback. If Carson Beck can hover around Top 10 and play complimentary football, Miami is fine.
Mensah is more dynamic, more freewheeling. I expect more RPO. I watched a lot of Duke tape—RPO was not really a factor with Beck for whatever reason. I also think some tempo would help, especially early with an evolving offensive line. More plays means more touches for playmakers.
But it ties back to Alex Mirabal. Can he put together a line in the neighborhood of the last three years? That’s the key.
Peter Ariz: And Mirabal cross-trains. You’ve got Jamal Meriweather from Georgia—people worry “why hasn’t he played,” but Mirabal sees Markel Bell comps: take the Georgia body type, coach it up, and you can hit.
Steve “K9” Kim: Right. Cantwell is a day-one starter. One guard is Samson Okunlola. Center is Ryan Rodriguez—people forget he started in Gainesville in 2024. Question is: where does Meriweather fit? Does Matt McCoy have the feet for left tackle?
If McCoy can play left tackle, then who’s the other guard? Buchanan might be a real factor. Meriweather could be swing, or the sixth OL—like Bell early.
Peter Ariz: Mirabal said something in an interview that stuck with me: most OL coaches have about seven guys they’re comfortable playing. If you’re great, eight or nine. That’s rare. This is where Tommy Kinsler might be a loss—big body, looks like a football player. But if staff really wanted it, they likely keep him. The fact he ended at Ole Miss tells you something.
Steve “K9” Kim: I'm also glad Josh Moore came back—big body, flashes. Receiver room should be more explosive: Cam Vaughn, Dre Jacobs, Upshaw. Last year, offense was good but lacked explosive plays. Every loss was by six or less, but they scored 21 or fewer in each loss. In the playoffs they had halves with no scoring. That’s meat on the bone.
Goal is top 10–15 offense, not “top 30%.”
Peter Ariz: Receiver depth is real: Jacobs, Barkate, Upshaw, Milan Parris, Somourian Wingo, Van Spafford. It’s almost 9–10 deep.
Steve “K9” Kim: I’m telling you: there are segments of games I’d go five-wide empty. Put Mensah in gun and let it rip for a couple drives. Establish points. Then run the ball later. But also: two-back stuff is interesting—Fletcher with Pringle, Pringle with Lofton, etc. Dawson can beat teams multiple ways.
Tight end: Luka Gilbert needs a second-year jump. Lofton is different—backfield, matchup guy. Need a seam-stretcher; might be a freshman like Mueller or Briggs. Mueller’s listed 6'6, 260, 11% body fat—carries it well. Tight end is mental too—picking up assignments.
Peter Ariz: Defensively: linebacker athleticism.
Steve “K9” Kim: Toure and Chase Smith don’t need a ton of spring reps. I want young guys like JJ Edwards, Jordan Campbell to pop. Corner retention is huge—bringing all four back. Safety depth is a little concerning—Conrad Hussey helps, Dylan Day maybe grows.
And special teams: Miami has to get better. You saw what happened in the title game.
Peter Ariz: Recruiting bump?
Steve “K9” Kim: It’s early, but the proof of concept is real. You get to top seven classes consistently, you’re living where Miami wants to live.
Peter Ariz: Before you go, you told two classic Don Soldinger stories this weekend—he’s the best.
Steve “K9” Kim: Soldinger’s recruiting pitch was brutally honest: “You may not play. No guarantees.” He told me he’d never lie to a kid. That’s hard to do now.
Then the Rusty Medearis story: kid calls in, sends tape, they like him, they forget about him. Signing Day, Rusty calls: “I’m ready to sign.” Soldinger’s like, “Hold on, let me call you back,” runs to Jimmy Johnson—board changed, guys fell off—Jimmy: “Tell him he’s in.” That’s how Miami got Rusty.
Then Randy Bethel: he was a defensive tackle. Jimmy tosses Solinger a ball: “See if Bethel can catch.” Soldinger plays catch with him in the rain, reports back: “He can catch.” Jimmy: “That’s your new tight end.” Back then Bethel wasn’t transferring—he just did it.
That flexibility is harder now with player movement and the whole ecosystem around it.
Peter Ariz: I saw your spot with Coach JB, Smitty—where you said what I’ve been saying: don’t blame Miami, blame the system. I wanted to hear your view of the Mensah process and how it played out.
Steve “K9” Kim: The system is the system. I actually give Dabo Swinney credit in the sense that he laid it out. Love him or hate him, he’s probably the one guy who doesn’t back channel or tamper—and that’s why he can be so out front. But everybody is doing it. Fresno State has issues with Ole Miss around a wide receiver—this is the world now.
As long as everyone is operating on the same level playing field, I can handle it—because in the past it was not. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Charlie Francis, the track coach who engineered Ben Johnson—1988 Olympics, Ben pulled away from Carl Lewis. Francis said something so honest it was almost too blunt: “What Ben Johnson did is what everyone’s doing. It’s a level playing field—just not the one you think it’s on.”
Right now, whatever people think, it’s a level playing field. Until rules and enforcement actually change, the game is the game.
Peter Ariz: That Notre Dame reporter comment when Mensah and Barkate committed—“I’m sure Miami did everything completely clean here”—I’m like, come on. You can’t act sanctimonious if Notre Dame is offering Barkate a million-plus before he’s even in the portal. Everyone has the opportunity to do the same thing right now.
And you made this point too: Miami’s roster was under assault. If people think programs aren’t looking at Miami’s depth chart trying to pick guys off, making contact, back-channeling—naive. We’re big boys. Easy come, easy go.
Jordan Seaton is a good example—Miami wanted him. Didn’t get him. But you sent a clip in the group chat from Matt McChesney, Colorado voice, former NFL guy, talking about concerns with Seaton’s behavior and how he handled NIL money. It raised the “maybe we dodged a bullet” angle.
Steve “K9” Kim: I did. Again, I don’t know the kid personally, so I’m careful. But if you’re bringing certain things into a locker room, it can have an effect. I also think Lane might be equipped to handle a guy like that year one—some programs can gamble early. But where Miami is right now under Cristobal, there’s a character threshold. Based on what McChesney was saying, I can see why you’d say Miami may have dodged a bullet.
Peter Ariz: And this is why I keep calling it Miami’s “portal retention” as much as portal haul. You can’t win them all—but what you retain that you actually want is underrated. Let’s talk running backs.
Steve “K9” Kim: I tweeted this Sunday heading out to Coach JB’s. I was surprised, and I think most of us were, that Jordan Lyle stayed. I thought he was headed somewhere else—no hard feelings, kids want carries. But for Miami to retain him plus get Pringle back in the fold—and now you’re talking a four-deep chart with Javion Mallory coming in—that’s a tremendous job.
Jordan Lyle flashed as a freshman—longest run in Miami history at the end of that USF game. He got the first carries against Notre Dame. He was a top-100 type recruit we flipped from Ohio State. To keep him with all the external pressure, all the calls he probably got, that matters. The retention piece is a huge part of this.
Peter Ariz: It also makes you look at “year three” guys. Someone asked DMoney and me about Cole McConathy—if he’s still here, staff wants him, and he’s committed to pushing through injuries. People forget he played important snaps as a true freshman. Long season exposed depth issues—especially at corner later.
Steve “K9” Kim: Here’s my theory: schedule length changes everything. Back in the day it’s 11, then 12. You’re playing 13 games with a bowl. Then 15. Now with the playoff, 16 or 17. Miami’s health was pretty good, but by Virginia Tech in Blacksburg you started to see the fraying at the edges.
Reality now: every position outside quarterback, you need at least one extra body more than you thought you needed, maybe two. Defensive line especially—you’re not asking Rueben Bain or Mesidor to play 60 snaps every week. You’re asking if your 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th guy can give you five or six snaps that matter.
After the bye, you can end up playing eight straight on the back end. Every snap counts.
Peter Ariz: And if you don’t get the bye in the 12-team format—imagine the extra game stress. I don’t care what anyone says: give me the bye. One less game.
Steve “K9” Kim: Exactly. Miami not winning the ACC this year ended up being a blessing in one way—they needed that bye going into Kyle Field. And I’m also a believer blowouts matter. Not “style points,” but development and depth. Put up 45 early, empty the bench, keep bodies fresh, give players real snaps. Not every game should be a 12-round war.
This offense can be built for blowouts here and there.
Peter Ariz: That’s a key point: blowouts as depth-building. You also had a story from Cotton Bowl tailgate about Popo Aguirre’s dad.
Steve “K9” Kim: Yeah—Popo Aguirre’s father. Nice guy. He basically said, “My son’s not getting snaps.” And I told him respectfully: we’re in the playoffs, Popo has a role, he’s developing, let it play out. When Mr. Aguirre says “it’s not about the money,” I believe him. It wasn’t purely financial. It was opportunity. And once Mohamed Toure got that extra year, that’s a fatal combo for someone trying to climb.
That’s the new college football.
Peter Ariz: And the “stick with it” stories might not exist anymore. You gave an example—Devon Johnson, and then Randy Bethel later.
Steve “K9” Kim: Right. Devon Johnson bounced positions, then finally became a pretty good slot receiver late—took years. That arc is rare now because on both ends: you might get processed out, or you might leave saying “I’m not getting opportunities.”
And the bigger point: if you’re getting paid, there’s an expectation of production from day one. Eyes are on you—effort, behavior, practice habits. People are judging: do we stick with this kid?
Peter Ariz: The closest example on the roster might be Ahmad Moten—slow build, then big moments late.
Steve “K9” Kim: That’s a good one. And that’s why I keep bringing up guys like McConathy, or even Jackson Carver. If you’re still here, it usually means staff sees a path and you’re willing to grind.
Also—this is more marathon than ever. If you’re going to make a deep playoff run again, you need 75–80 guys who can do something.
Peter Ariz: Let’s get to the offense—Darian Mensah. You tweeted about 45-plus.
Steve “K9” Kim: We did that two years ago—45 points, number one in the country. People want to doubt Shannon Dawson, but we’ve seen the ceiling.
Mensah does not have to be Cam Ward. Ward was the number one pick. Mensah doesn’t have to be that. He needs to be a top-10 quarterback. If Carson Beck can hover around Top 10 and play complimentary football, Miami is fine.
Mensah is more dynamic, more freewheeling. I expect more RPO. I watched a lot of Duke tape—RPO was not really a factor with Beck for whatever reason. I also think some tempo would help, especially early with an evolving offensive line. More plays means more touches for playmakers.
But it ties back to Alex Mirabal. Can he put together a line in the neighborhood of the last three years? That’s the key.
Peter Ariz: And Mirabal cross-trains. You’ve got Jamal Meriweather from Georgia—people worry “why hasn’t he played,” but Mirabal sees Markel Bell comps: take the Georgia body type, coach it up, and you can hit.
Steve “K9” Kim: Right. Cantwell is a day-one starter. One guard is Samson Okunlola. Center is Ryan Rodriguez—people forget he started in Gainesville in 2024. Question is: where does Meriweather fit? Does Matt McCoy have the feet for left tackle?
If McCoy can play left tackle, then who’s the other guard? Buchanan might be a real factor. Meriweather could be swing, or the sixth OL—like Bell early.
Peter Ariz: Mirabal said something in an interview that stuck with me: most OL coaches have about seven guys they’re comfortable playing. If you’re great, eight or nine. That’s rare. This is where Tommy Kinsler might be a loss—big body, looks like a football player. But if staff really wanted it, they likely keep him. The fact he ended at Ole Miss tells you something.
Steve “K9” Kim: I'm also glad Josh Moore came back—big body, flashes. Receiver room should be more explosive: Cam Vaughn, Dre Jacobs, Upshaw. Last year, offense was good but lacked explosive plays. Every loss was by six or less, but they scored 21 or fewer in each loss. In the playoffs they had halves with no scoring. That’s meat on the bone.
Goal is top 10–15 offense, not “top 30%.”
Peter Ariz: Receiver depth is real: Jacobs, Barkate, Upshaw, Milan Parris, Somourian Wingo, Van Spafford. It’s almost 9–10 deep.
Steve “K9” Kim: I’m telling you: there are segments of games I’d go five-wide empty. Put Mensah in gun and let it rip for a couple drives. Establish points. Then run the ball later. But also: two-back stuff is interesting—Fletcher with Pringle, Pringle with Lofton, etc. Dawson can beat teams multiple ways.
Tight end: Luka Gilbert needs a second-year jump. Lofton is different—backfield, matchup guy. Need a seam-stretcher; might be a freshman like Mueller or Briggs. Mueller’s listed 6'6, 260, 11% body fat—carries it well. Tight end is mental too—picking up assignments.
Peter Ariz: Defensively: linebacker athleticism.
Steve “K9” Kim: Toure and Chase Smith don’t need a ton of spring reps. I want young guys like JJ Edwards, Jordan Campbell to pop. Corner retention is huge—bringing all four back. Safety depth is a little concerning—Conrad Hussey helps, Dylan Day maybe grows.
And special teams: Miami has to get better. You saw what happened in the title game.
Peter Ariz: Recruiting bump?
Steve “K9” Kim: It’s early, but the proof of concept is real. You get to top seven classes consistently, you’re living where Miami wants to live.
Peter Ariz: Before you go, you told two classic Don Soldinger stories this weekend—he’s the best.
Steve “K9” Kim: Soldinger’s recruiting pitch was brutally honest: “You may not play. No guarantees.” He told me he’d never lie to a kid. That’s hard to do now.
Then the Rusty Medearis story: kid calls in, sends tape, they like him, they forget about him. Signing Day, Rusty calls: “I’m ready to sign.” Soldinger’s like, “Hold on, let me call you back,” runs to Jimmy Johnson—board changed, guys fell off—Jimmy: “Tell him he’s in.” That’s how Miami got Rusty.
Then Randy Bethel: he was a defensive tackle. Jimmy tosses Solinger a ball: “See if Bethel can catch.” Soldinger plays catch with him in the rain, reports back: “He can catch.” Jimmy: “That’s your new tight end.” Back then Bethel wasn’t transferring—he just did it.
That flexibility is harder now with player movement and the whole ecosystem around it.
