Miami forward Marcus Allen will miss the entire 2026-27 season after suffering a torn ACL, the university announced Monday.
The injury delivers another difficult setback for Allen, who missed most of last season while receiving treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Allen appeared in eight games during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 5.3 points and 3.1 rebounds before his December diagnosis forced him away from basketball.
Allen had remained on Miami’s 2026-27 roster as a 6-foot-7, 231-pound junior. His expected return gave coach Jai Lucas another experienced and versatile option at forward as the Hurricanes prepared to build on their successful 2025-26 campaign.
Instead, Miami must reshape its rotation before preseason practices begin.
Allen offered the strength to defend bigger forwards along with enough mobility to handle assignments on the perimeter. He also provided rebounding, physicality and familiarity with Lucas’ system. His absence could create larger roles for returning forward Shelton Henderson and newcomers Caleb Gaskins, DeSean Goode, Christopher Birden Jr. and Nick Dorn.
The Hurricanes still carry considerable frontcourt depth, but Allen brought a different combination of size and versatility. Lucas could have used him in several lineup combinations, including smaller groups that featured Allen as a frontcourt defender.
Allen joined Miami before the 2025-26 season after spending his freshman year at Missouri. He played 26 games for the Tigers, averaging 2.6 points and 2.0 rebounds in 9.2 minutes per contest. The move allowed Allen to return to his hometown and play near his family.
The former Miami Norland standout entered college as a four-star prospect. Allen averaged 22.7 points and 13.2 rebounds during his senior season while leading Norland to the 2024 state championship. He earned Class 5A Player of the Year honors and received an invitation to the Allen Iverson Classic.
Allen started to carve out a larger college role after arriving at Miami. He more than doubled his playing time from his freshman season and scored a season-high seven points against Stetson and Jacksonville. He also collected five rebounds against Bethune-Cookman and Delaware State.
His cancer diagnosis halted that progress in December. Allen remained around the program during his treatment, and Miami continued to include him in its plans for the upcoming season.
The torn ACL now delays his return for another year.
Miami did not announce additional details regarding the injury or Allen’s recovery timeline. His rehabilitation will take priority as the Hurricanes move forward without him during the 2026-27 campaign.
Allen has already faced one major health challenge during his Miami career. He now faces another lengthy recovery before he can return to the court for his hometown program.
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