Inconsistency in the secondary was a significant problem for Miami in 2024. ESPN named the Miami secondary as an X-factor entering the 2025 season. Mario Cristobal made the secondary a priority during the 2025 offseason with coaching and personnel changes.
Cristobal replaced defensive coordinator Lance Guidry with Corey Hetherman from Minnesota and hired Zac Etheridge as the defensive pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach and Will Harris as the safeties coach. Before Hetherman, Etheridge and Harris were hired, Cristobal made the secondary a priority in the transfer portal.
Miami added Charles Brantley from Michigan State, Xavier Lucas from Wisconsin and Ethan 'O'Connor from Washington State and Kelonte Scott from Houston and safeties Zechariah Poyser from Jacksonville State and Jakobe Thomas from Tennessee as transfers to nearly completely rebuild the secondary.