Following a championship loss, the Miami Hurricanes land Georgia Bulldogs transfer lineman Meriweather, bolstering their rebuilding offensive line ahead of next season's challenges.
Shortly after a heartbreaking loss in the National Championship against the Indiana Hoosiers, with a final score of 27-21, the Miami Hurricanes continue to attack the business side of college football. Despite losing players to the transfer portal, they gained talent for next season.
It was reported on Friday that Jamal Meriweather is joining the program from the transfer portal. He spent three seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs, appearing in 17 total games as a reserve, including two seasons with quarterback Carson Beck.
The Hurricanes will miss several offensive linemen to start next season due to the upcoming NFL draft or not having eligibility, such as Francis Mauigoa, Anez Cooper, James Brockermeyer, and Markel Bell. They played a critical role in the team's success this past season, protecting Beck and opening gaps for running backs to make explosive plays.
Meriweather was a three-star recruit and played on the defensive side of the field at Brunswick High School, recording 30 total tackles, 17 solos and 13 assists, two tackles for loss, and two sacks in 10 total games. The Bulldogs were the only high-profile program to express interest and send an offer. The Georgia native committed on Dec. 5, 2022.
Despite few opportunities throughout his tenure, Meriweather has a chance to be a consistent rotation player with the Hurricanes. He will get to work alongside five-star recruit Jackson Cantwell, who won the Gatorade Player of the Year award on Dec. 5, 2025, as well as Samson Okunlola and Matthew McCoy, who have experience.
Mario Cristobal may be the head coach, but he's known for spending a little more time with the offensive linemen, having played the position for the Hurricanes from 1989 to 1992, and winning two National Championships.
Meriweather will work under the leadership of offensive line coach Alex Mirabal, who's known for excellent leadership and is among the best offensive line specialists in the nation.
There's no telling yet whether the Hurricanes can replicate the success of this past season with the offensive line, but there's optimism to remain among the best next season.
The extended window transfer portal for players on the rosters from both National Championship participants closes on Saturday at 11:59 p.m. local time. The Hurricanes still have a few questions to answer, especially at the quarterback position, with Beck no longer having eligibility and likely to declare for the NFL draft.
However, the program is loading up to remain competitive.
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