DB's OJ Frederique, Xavier Lucas Announces Return to Miami in 2026

[htownkidd]

Surprised we are keeping all 4 but pleased, hopefully nothing pops up with Antoine. He walks into a spot in 2027, and honestly probably still plays plenty in 2026 with the way our guys get nicked up.

 

[HarborCane]

My heart skipped a beat before reading the entire headline

 

[Handsome Squidbum]

A whole bunch of posters wanted Damari to leave. They may be upset by this news.

His toe needs to transfer.

 

[TriStarCane]

Damari nickel? Can he play there? Do we think he can stay healthy?

 

[miamimike]

A whole bunch of posters wanted Damari to leave. They may be upset by this news.

I was worried about Damari leaving. Great news he is coming back. I know he’s had injuries but I think he is a very good player when he is healthy. Whoever wanted him to leave I don’t understand.

 

[clg003]

O’Conner?

 

[Warrior808]

Wait, did I miss something? They’re both not eligible for the draft. Are kids making announcements nowadays just to say they’re not leaving, lol

They didn't do any of that run it back announcement stuff. Gabby on 247 was doing some silly exercise of going down the roster and announcing who was returning thing. Sounded like he was calling around and asking players directly then reporting or "announcing" it on his own.

 

[Gru]

 

[JHallCanes]

Surprised we are keeping all 4 but pleased, hopefully nothing pops up with Antoine. He walks into a spot in 2027, and honestly probably still plays plenty in 2026 with the way our guys get nicked up.

All our DBs and our RBs are back?

But we got LBs leaving? OL?

 

[ddann]

I am also returning for 2026.

What kind of reworked deal did you get?

 

[SinisterCane]

I am also returning for 2026.

I thought you signed a deal with prison Mike at FSU

 

[CaneSince07]

Best tandem in Da Nation

 

[Hufftwoseven]

Wow the talent on defense next year is championship level again

 

[Hufftwoseven]

Press man all ******* year next year

 

[Odysseus]

It’s officially, official. Defensive backs OJ Frederquie and Xavier Lucas is returning to play for Mario Cristobal at Miami.

According to Gaby Urrutia of 247Sports, Miami defensive backs OJ Frederique and Xavier Lucas are both returning to the Hurricanes for the 2026 season.



OJ Frederique got a lot of reps last season. In 2025, he finished with 19 total tackles (12 solo) and 7 passes defended in 10 games. Before that, as a true freshman in 2024, he had 27 tackles, one interception and 7 passes defended.

In 2025, Xavier Lucas, finished with 45 tackles (30 solo), 8 pass breakups, 1 interception and 1 sack in 14 games.

Getting both Frederique and Lucas back helps Miami a lot in the secondary. They’ve both played real snaps and know the system. Keeping those two around gives the Hurricanes more depth and fewer questions in the DB room going into next season.

Lets goooo

 

[407cane]

should add brown to this title too since it's confirmed

 

[TOcane]

We had people wanting him to guard Jeremiah Smith and others wanting him to leave

I feel like there’s room for some middle ground

No lie I do wish he was out there against Indiana. I think between him and Lucas we stop at least one of those back shoulder throws because of play strength.

 

[TOcane]

Surprised we are keeping all 4 but pleased, hopefully nothing pops up with Antoine. He walks into a spot in 2027, and honestly probably still plays plenty in 2026 with the way our guys get nicked up.

One of our deeper rooms and we still had to throw him out there. With CFP runs the season is long and we need them all.

 

[tdjones34]

Surprised we are keeping all 4 but pleased, hopefully nothing pops up with Antoine. He walks into a spot in 2027, and honestly probably still plays plenty in 2026 with the way our guys get nicked up.

All 4 would be seniors in 27

 

[lfoliva9988]

Anyone complaining about any of these 3 coming back is an idiot. This is HUGE news and gives us one of the top DB rooms in the entire country going into next season