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

[AtlAtty]

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.

Probably received nice raises/NIL

 

[KingB02]

All 4 would be seniors in 27

Not all 4 will return in 27. I think two go pro. Damari been here a million years it seams!

 

[AtlAtty]

Just massive because both of these guys have day 1 or 2 nfl draft potential after this year

OJ could easily end up as a 1st round pick considering his coverage in man to man. He completely blankets receivers, including JJ Smith. He reminds me of Kelly Jennings, another smooth corner who was always technically sound.

Lucas has the physical traits that the NFL loves, and is our most physical corner.

 

[Handsome Squidbum]

Didn’t get the free season pass to Santa’s Enchanted Forest, I see.

Still, not too shabby.

They said I had to sign a 2 year deal to get that tacked on.

I told them you can’t slick an oil can. I know what they are trying to do.

 

[J2TheZ]

I will also announce and say I’m coming back. I’m locked in.

 

[tdjones34]

Not all 4 will return in 27. I think two go pro. Damari been here a million years it seams!

Doubtful all 4 return for 27
But OJ and lucas would seniors
Damari and O'connor 5th year seniors

We have so few seniors overall next year

 

[J2TheZ]

If we land the QB and the WR and those other portal players. What’s our expectation to make another run next year?

 

[Stingarov]

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

I want his *** on the field.

-Signed, the guy who strained all his *** muscles working out to Canes playoffs hype videos

 

[ddann]

They said I had to sign a 2 year deal to get that tacked on.

I told them you can’t slick an oil can. I know what they are trying to do.

Didn’t want to get Duked like Mensah? Smart.

 

[Miami04]

Honest confused question. I see people posting today they are worried about O’Conner leaving, but the deadline was last night, correct? Anyone we haven’t heard about should be considered at least here through spring, correct? (I know there’s no spring portal but they could just transfer)

 

[TwentySix]

Honest confused question. I see people posting today they are worried about O’Conner leaving, but the deadline as last night, correct? Anyone we haven’t heard about should be considered at least here through spring, correct? (I know there’s no spring portal but they could just transfer)

School has two business days to process paperwork, so technically we could get new names until Tuesday night.

 

[Hurricane23]

The room might not have that elite top 15 nfl draft pick but it’s probably the best room in college football or close to it.

Lucas and OJ both have first round potential, we will have to see how they continue to develop

 

[Hstokes1447]

The room might not have that elite top 15 nfl draft pick but it’s probably the best room in college football or close to it.

If OJ plays next season how he played against Ohio State and IU he could find himself in the first round for sure.