The composition of the 2026 Miami University (Ohio) RedHawks football roster highlights a strategic blend of veteran leadership and an aggressive influx of talent through the transfer portal. As the program navigates the spring practice session, the updated personnel list reveals a team built on defensive versatility and a revamped offensive skill group. The current roster reflects the modern era of college football, where depth is increasingly maintained by integrating players from Power 4 programs with homegrown developmental talent.

The Quarterback Room and Leadership Transition

Commanding the offense in 2026 requires a balance of experience and poise. The Miami Ohio football roster currently features a mix of upperclassmen and younger prospects competing for the top spot on the depth chart. Caleb Heavner, a senior standing 6'2" and weighing 220 lbs, enters the spring as one of the most physically ready signal-callers. His journey to Oxford via Fort Hays reflects the program's ability to identify talent across different collegiate levels.

Behind Heavner, the competition includes Thomas Gotkowski, a redshirt sophomore from Indianapolis, and David McComb, a redshirt freshman who joined the program after a stint at Kansas. McComb's 6'4", 220-lb frame suggests a significant ceiling for the vertical passing game. The presence of these diverse skill sets allows the coaching staff to experiment with different offensive packages during spring ball, focusing on efficiency and ball security.

Offensive Weapons: Receivers and Running Backs

The wide receiver corps is arguably the most transformed unit on the 2026 Miami Ohio football roster. There is a noticeable emphasis on length and high-major experience. Key names to watch include:

  • Brady Simmons (r-Sr.): A 6'1" veteran from Indiana who brings Big Ten experience to the perimeter.
  • Damarion Witten (Jr.): Standing 6'3", the Cleveland native and former Ohio State player provides a massive target in the red zone.
  • Devin Hyatt (r-Jr.): Coming from Arizona, Hyatt adds speed and IMG Academy pedigree to the slot or outside roles.
  • Maleek Huggins (Sr.): A versatile veteran with a background at Bethune-Cookman and Gardner-Webb, emphasizing the staff's preference for battle-tested depth.

In the backfield, the departure of previous starters has opened the door for Rodney Nelson and Cade Yacamelli. Yacamelli, a redshirt senior from Wisconsin, offers a sturdy 6'0", 219-lb presence that fits the physical identity of MAC football. The addition of freshman Chancellor Sparks from Alabama adds a fresh dynamic to the rushing attack, potentially serving as a change-of-pace option.

Defensive Front and Linebacker Stability

Miami Ohio has historically prided itself on a stout defensive front, and the 2026 roster continues this trend. The defensive line is anchored by senior Kam Wilson and redshirt senior Micah Coleman. Wilson, standing 6'2" and 253 lbs, has a diverse resume with stops at Cincinnati and Louisville, while Coleman (6'4", 265 lbs) provides the necessary size to anchor the edge.

The linebacker unit remains the heartbeat of the defense. CJ Young and Malcolm McCain, both redshirt juniors, are expected to take on larger leadership roles. The addition of Blayne Myrick, a senior transfer from South Alabama, adds a high-volume tackler to the mix. These players average around 225-230 lbs, suggesting a defense designed to be mobile enough to cover sideline-to-sideline while maintaining the strength to stop the interior run.

The Secondary: A Blend of Transfers and Youth

The defensive backfield on the 2026 Miami Ohio football roster is heavily populated by players with high-level collegiate experience. Dillon Tatum, a redshirt senior from Michigan State and Northwestern, is a standout name in the secondary. His 210-lb frame is unusually large for a defensive back, allowing him to play effectively in run support and as a hybrid safety/nickel.

Other notable contributors in the secondary include:

  • Amari Yun Knighten (r-Sr.): A Hollywood, Florida native with experience at Indiana and Northern Illinois.
  • Jackson Pons (r-So.): A developing talent from Pennsylvania who has shown growth within the system.
  • Adrian Walker Jr. (So.): A young playmaker from Michigan who earned significant snaps as a freshman.

Detailed 2026 Miami Ohio Football Roster Table

Below is the current spring roster, categorized by jersey number, position, and academic standing as of April 2026.

No. Name Pos. Class Ht. Wt. Hometown / Previous School
0 Amari Yun Knighten DB r-Sr. 6'0" 174 Hollywood, FL (Indiana/NIU)
0 Keith Reynolds WR r-Jr. 5'9" 181 Adelanto, CA (Washington)
1 Maleek Huggins WR Sr. 5'11" 180 Bradenton, FL (Gardner-Webb)
1 Dillon Tatum DB r-Sr. 5'11" 210 Farmington Hills, MI (Michigan St)
2 Jackson Pons DB r-So. 6'1" 194 North Huntington, PA
2 Brady Simmons WR r-Sr. 6'1" 173 Indianapolis, IN (Indiana)
3 Malcolm McCain LB r-Jr. 6'0" 230 Snellville, GA
3 Quintin Simmons WR r-Fr. 6'1" 170 Cincinnati, OH (Kentucky)
4 Devin Hyatt WR r-Jr. 6'2" 192 Bradenton, FL (Arizona)
4 Kam Wilson DL r-Sr. 6'2" 253 Decatur, GA (Louisville)
5 Devin Bell DL r-So. 6'1" 236 Akron, OH
5 Rodney Nelson RB r-Jr. 5'8" 195 Owings, MD (Monmouth)
6 Caleb Heavner QB Sr. 6'2" 220 Denison, TX (Fort Hays)
6 Adrian Walker Jr. DB So. 5'9" 175 Inkster, MI
8 Damarion Witten WR Jr. 6'3" 206 Cleveland, OH (Ohio State)
8 CJ Young LB r-Jr. 6'0" 215 Strongsville, OH (Kent State)
9 Javon Hammonds DL r-So. 6'4" 237 Dayton, OH
9 William Pressley WR Fr. 6'1" 190 Oak Ridge, TN
10 Jermaine Agee DB r-So. 5'11" 181 Cleveland, OH
10 Lynel Billups-Williams WR r-Jr. 5'9" 177 University Park, IL
11 Brock Uihlein LB r-Jr. 6'1" 226 Lake Forest, IL
12 Carl Jenkins WR So. 6'2" 177 St. Augustine, FL (UCF)
12 Kaleb Martin DB Jr. 6'0" 170 Chattanooga, TN
13 Thomas Gotkowski QB r-So. 6'0" 189 Indianapolis, IN
13 Desmon Yharbrough DB r-Fr. 6'3" 207 Inkster, MI
14 Micah Coleman DL r-Sr. 6'4" 265 Reynoldsburg, OH (E. Michigan)
14 D'Shawntae Jones RB r-So. 5'10" 248 Cleveland, OH
15 Blayne Myrick LB r-Sr. 6'3" 226 Fairhope, AL (S. Alabama)
15 Christian Ross TE r-Jr. 6'4" 225 Midland City, AL (Memphis)
16 David McComb QB r-Fr. 6'4" 220 Edmond, OK (Kansas)
16 Christian McKinney LB r-Jr. 6'0" 209 Homewood, IL
17 Braylon Isom WR r-So. 6'3" 217 Saginaw, MI
18 Justen Hodge WR Fr. 6'1" 190 Mentor, OH
18 Isaiah Rollins DB So. 6'0" 172 Indianapolis, IN
19 Jerome Smith DB r-Fr. 6'2" 188 Indianapolis, IN
20 Zhai'Ylen Scott DL r-So. 6'1" 240 Cedar Hill, TX (North Texas)
20 Cade Yacamelli RB r-Sr. 6'0" 219 Trafford, PA (Wisconsin)
21 Toney Coleman Jr. DB Jr. 6'1" 185 Eufaula, AL
22 Bai Jobe DL r-Jr. 6'4" 249 Norman, OK (Kansas/MSU)
22 Chancellor Sparks RB Fr. 5'9" 180 Birmingham, AL

Transfer Portal Strategy and Roster Construction

A deep dive into the 2026 Miami Ohio football roster reveals a sophisticated approach to the transfer portal. Unlike programs that use the portal solely for plug-and-play starters, the RedHawks have focused on acquiring players with multiple years of eligibility remaining. For instance, Bai Jobe and Zhai'Ylen Scott are not just short-term fixes; they represent a significant investment in the defensive line's future.

The geographic diversity is also notable. While Ohio remains the core recruiting ground with players like Devin Bell and Javon Hammonds, the roster has expanded significantly into Florida, Michigan, and Texas. This expansion is often facilitated by the transfer portal, allowing the program to bring players back closer to the Midwest after they initially signed with programs in the South or West.

Physical Profiles and Athletic Development

The physical data of the current roster suggests an emphasis on "length" and "functional weight." The wide receiving unit, in particular, has seen a shift toward taller players. In previous seasons, the RedHawks often relied on smaller, shiftier slot receivers. The 2026 group, featuring Witten (6'3"), Hyatt (6'2"), and Isom (6'3"), indicates a desire to win contested catches and provide larger windows for the quarterbacks.

On the defensive side, the height of the defensive line is striking. Players like Bai Jobe and Micah Coleman, both standing 6'4", offer the reach necessary to disrupt passing lanes—a critical component in a conference known for high-tempo offensive schemes. The average weight of the interior defensive line has also seen a slight uptick, with several redshirt sophomores and juniors pushing the 240-260 lb range while maintaining their burst.

Spring Practice and Positional Battles

With the 2026 spring session underway, several positional battles are defining the roster's hierarchy. The most significant competition remains at the quarterback position, where the veteran presence of Heavner is being challenged by the high-upside athleticism of McComb.

In the secondary, the depth is so significant that several players with starting experience at other institutions are currently vying for second-team reps. This internal competition is often cited as a primary driver for the program's consistency in the MAC. The linebacker room, though veteran-heavy, is also seeing a push from younger players like Brock Uihlein, who has spent several years developing within the system and now appears ready for a more prominent role.

Impact of the 2026 Freshman Class

While transfers capture much of the headlines, the true freshmen on the 2026 Miami Ohio football roster should not be overlooked. William Pressley and Justen Hodge bring fresh legs to the wide receiver room, and their integration during spring practice is vital for long-term depth. Chancellor Sparks, specifically, has the physical tools to contribute early in the season, particularly on special teams or in specific rushing packages.

The development of these freshmen alongside established transfers like Dillon Tatum and Damarion Witten creates a unique environment. The veterans provide a standard of professional preparation, while the freshmen inject energy and competition into the daily practice routine.

Outlook for the Special Teams Unit

Although the primary focus of roster discussions often revolves around offense and defense, the 2026 roster shows stability in the specialist department. The program continues to prioritize specialists who can contribute to the field position battle, though the final specialists' depth chart typically solidifies later in the fall. The current roster includes several athletes capable of handling return duties, including Keith Reynolds and Maleek Huggins, whose explosive speed makes them natural fits for kick and punt returns.

In summary, the 2026 Miami Ohio football roster is a testament to modern roster management. By balancing the immediate impact of experienced transfers with the steady development of recruited high school talent, the program has positioned itself with a deep, versatile, and physically imposing squad for the upcoming season. The spring roster provides the first clear look at how these pieces fit together, and the early indications suggest a team that is both experienced in key areas and young enough to maintain a high ceiling.