Miami DB Markeith Williams enters NCAA Transfer Portal

Miami defensive back Markeith Williams has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. Williams began his collegiate career at Miami in 2022 and has amassed 25 career appearances for the Hurricanes.

He’s amassed 31 tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass breakups during his career. Williams played high school football at Evans (FL), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 21 overall safety in the 2022 recruiting cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.

Williams hadn’t seen any action for Miami this season prior to entering the transfer portal. Despite Williams’ ultimate decision, he seemed optimistic for the 2025 campaign this summer.

“Feeling great. Feeling like Year One all over again,” Williams said, per CanesInSight. “I’m learning a new defense. It feels great to be in here and actually be a leader to the young guys and show them multiple ways how to go along throughout college.”

Miami brought in new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman this offseason. Hetherman spent the 2024 season as Minnesota‘s DC. Ahead of the season, Williams said he was learning multiple positions to be ready to play wherever Hetherman needed him.

“Just getting the feel to play every position on the field, corner, nickel, safety, even knowing what the linebacker is doing. Knowing everybody’s job makes your job easier,” Williams said. “I feel like I should be in a position where they can put me anywhere on the field.

“…  I grew up a lot, going through multiple safeties in front of me, multiple coaches. I had a good coach every year, and changed every year. Knowing the ins and outs throughout the building, and the business side, too.”

Miami’s defense has done well this season, even without Markeith Williams making an impact. The Hurricanes are only allowing 252.5 total yards of offense per game, ranking No. 32 in the nation. Head coach Mario Cristobal has certainly been pleased with Hetherman’s handiwork.

“He is an elite coach, individual, and teacher,” Cristobal said in August. “That is the most valuable thing when it comes to coaching. A guy has to be able to teach and connect.

“Every single day, he finds a way to make those guys better so that their buy-in is really, really high. You see it in the way we communicate and the way we run to the football. We are not all the way yet, but it is exciting to watch that defense progress.”