After losing out on potential Washington State transfer quarterback Cameron Ward to the 2024 NFL Draft, the Miami Hurricanes have turned their attention elsewhere.

Per a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Miami has its eye on another top remaining QB in the transfer portal as the school looks to replace three-year starter Tyler Van Dyke, who also entered the portal last month.

“Source: Miami has engaged with both USC transfer Malachi Nelson and Arkansas transfer KJ Jefferson as they begin to pursue other quarterbacks in the portal and keep all options open,” Thamel tweeted.

A five-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, Nelson was the No. 12-ranked player and No. 5-ranked QB, per the 247Sports composite rankings. He committed to USC and spent the 2023 season there but entered the transfer portal in December.

Nelson likely didn’t see a path to a starting job next season with multiple sources linking the Trojans to Kansas State transfer QB Will Howard and the emergence of sophomore Miller Moss, who set a USC bowl record with six touchdown passes in a 42-28 romp of Louisville in the Holiday Bowl last week.

He offers the Hurricanes a legit long-term option at quarterback with three years of eligibility left.

Van Dyke threw for 7,478 yards, 53 touchdowns and 23 interceptions in three years with the Hurricanes, posting a 15-15 record as the starter.

His absence leaves Miami with just two quarterbacks on its roster who have attempted a pass — Emory Williams, who’s recovering from a fractured left arm, and Jacurri Brown, who completed 20 of 31 passes for 181 yards, a touchdown and an interception in Miami’s 31-24 loss to Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl last week.

Three-star signal caller Judd Anderson, the No. 58 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class per the 247Sports composite rankings, is also an option after signing with Miami on Dec. 20. He’s expected to be on campus for spring practice after enrolling in school early.