Key Miami Hurricanes are sidelined for a championship bid. Star tight end out, cornerback suspended. Defensive reinforcements uncertain as title game looms.
As the Miami Hurricanes are a weekend away from stepping on the National Championship stage for the first time in over two decades, there are newsworthy standouts about the initial injury report, which was released on Friday, 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
The biggest is sophomore tight end Elija Lofton being ruled out. He left the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl semifinals matchup against the Ole Miss Rebels in the first half, taking a hard tackle after catching a 15-yard pass.
Senior Alex Bauman, who's been sharing rotation minutes, will take on an expanded role with freshman Luka Gibert, listed at 6-7, 255 pounds, likely being his backup.
Lofton finished with new career highs across the board, catching 23 passes for 218 yards and scoring three touchdowns.
Former Hurricanes freshman tight end Brock Schott entered the transfer portal entered the transfer portal on Jan. 1st, committing to the Indiana Hoosiers a few days later.
Sophomore cornerback Xavier Lucas is required to miss the first half of the game due to an ejection for targeting in the Rebels' game. There have been debates about whether the call itself was sustainable, especially with a National Championship on the line, but there's no overriding the ruling.
Lucas has played a tremendous role in the Hurricanes' secondary, recording 45 total tackles, 30 solos and 15 assists, two tackles for loss, one interception, and eight passes defended.
However, there might be reinforcements coming in that department as redshirt sophomore Damari Brown is questionable. He has yet to play in the College Football Playoffs, with an opportunity to return on the massive stage. Brown recorded 24 total tackles, 16 solos and eight assists, and one pass defended.
Sophomore defensive lineman Cole McConathy II is also listed as questionable. He appeared in two regular-season games, recording no statistics.
Edge rusher Akheem Mesidor (elbow), defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. (ankle), and cornerback OJ Frederique are not listed on the injury report.
The Hurricanes also listed freshman wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw and junior linebacker Malik Bryant as out. Defensive lineman Donta Simpson Jr. (not with team - transfer portal).
The Hoosiers listed redshirt senior kicker Brendan Franke as questionable.
Edge rusher Stephen Daley, edge rusher Kellan Wyatt, safety Jah Jah Boyd (transfer portal), cornerback Amariyun Knighten (transfer portal), safety Bryson Bonds, running back Lee Beebe Jr., and edge rusher Andrew DePaepe (not with team - transfer portal) are out.
Both programs have lost a few players to the transfer portal, but remain intact for the most part. This will be the biggest stage both sides have played on; history will be made regardless.
The Hurricanes face a unique situation, competing for a National Championship in their home stadium, Hard Rock Stadium, which is a first in the Bowl Championship Series/College Football Playoff era, dating from 1998 to the present.
The stage is set on Jan. 19th, 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN.
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