Former basketball standout Gavin Mueller brings elite size and speed to Coral Gables, offering the Miami Hurricanes a physical presence and vertical threat to bolster a National Championship pursuit.
Miami, Fla. – Throughout the course of a program's best 13-3 season, the Miami Hurricanes had strong contributions from a few freshmen. Local rising star wide receiver Malachi Toney gathered most of the attention by leading the nation with 109 catches for 1,211 yards, scoring 13 total touchdowns in 16 games, including 15 starts.
However, others from the same class delivered an immediate impact, such as safety Bryce Fitzgerald and running back Girard Pringle Jr. In the Hurricanes’ four-game win streak to close the regular season, wide receivers Daylyn Upshaw and Joshua Moore saw extra opportunities on the field because of some injuries to the roster and made the most of them.
It’s a testament to how coach Mario Cristobal doesn’t shy away from playing freshmen. As a new recruiting class arrives at Coral Gables, the newcomers will be looking to deliver a similar impact. There’s obvious attention on five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, who’s a projected starter ahead of fall camp, but another freshman could surprise the nation.
Illinois native Gavin Mueller was primarily a basketball player before pursuing football as a junior at South Elgin High School. He began to make noise on the recruiting trail as a senior playing tight end: catching 32 passes for 515 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns. Mueller originally committed to the Colorado Buffaloes before flipping to the Hurricanes a month ahead of National Signing Day.
The 18-year-old freshman arrives at South Florida with a 6-5, 255-pound frame. He’s shown to have speed, strong acceleration, and proper footwork to run routes. However, the Hurricanes were missing a blocking tight end last season, which is where Mueller can become of service.
The program hired Mike Viti as the new tight ends coach, previously on the Army Black Knights’ staff as an offensive line coach.
In a recent interview during a personal practice, Mueller revealed to have ran a 4.55 40-yard dash in high school. He’s capable of making plays, but blocking will likely carve out consistent playing time. The Hurricanes’ tight end room lacks experience, outside of junior starter Elija Lofton. Mueller’s frame and speed could help him earn a spot in the rotation, but blocking will likely make the biggest difference.
The four-star recruit was ranked among the top-100, fifth among tight ends, and the best player in the state of Illinois for the 2026 class, according to 247Sports Composite.
Despite not being mentioned as much across national and local media, Mueller has an opportunity to stand out immediately for the Hurricanes, who are viewed as National Championship contenders.
Fall Camp is a couple of months away and Mueller’s journey is just getting started.
- Several Miami Hurricanes baseball players earned All-ACC honors, including a few first-timers.
- The Miami Hurricanes basketball program is reportedly scheduled to open the upcoming season against an in-state rival.
- Coach Mario Cristobal believes the Miami Hurricanes should face an in-state rival every year.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
