Max Buchanan believes the reshaped Miami Hurricanes offensive line can replicate last season's National Championship success despite key departures. New talent is ready to shine.
The Miami Hurricanes’ offensive line played a pivotal role in last season’s success, reaching the National Championship game. The program experienced several departures during the offseason to the upcoming NFL Draft, including left tackle Markel Bell, right guard Anez Cooper, center James Brockermeyer, and All-American right tackle Francis Mauigoa.
The lineup, which featured Matthew McCoy and Samson Okunlola splitting snaps at left guard, provided high-quality protection for quarterback Carson Beck. As All-ACC Darian Mensah takes over the offense, the new group is expected to produce similar results. One of the players looking to make a name for himself in spring training is sophomore Max Buchanan. The 19-year-old has high hopes for the reshaped offensive line.
“The potential is very high,” he said. “I don’t see there being a big drawback from last year’s offensive line to ours. I think it’s going to be right around the same. We do have some newer guys. We got Jackson Cantwell playing; he’s younger, but he’s amazing. He’s stepping into the role very well. We’ve got some veterans like Ryan Rodriguez and Matt McCoy. It really helps bring us all up to the level that we need to be at because Matt McCoy did compete last year. He rotated in at left guard. So, he knows what it means to go to the National Championship and what it means to be a Miami Hurricane in the playoffs.”
Buchanan only appeared in four games last season.
The Sanford, Florida, native was a four-star recruit coming from Seminole High School. He received interest and offers from numerous programs, including the Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, South Florida Bulls, Auburn Tigers, Clemson Tigers, LSU Tigers, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and Ole Miss Rebels, among others.
Buchanan committed to the Hurricanes on June 26, 2024.
Despite limited action as a freshman, the 19-year-old looks to earn an expanded role, either at left or right guard.
The program is confident that the in-house talent is ready to step up, bringing in one offensive lineman through the transfer portal, former Georgia Bulldog Jamal Meriweather.
Coming off a National Championship appearance, Buchanan experienced the habits it takes to practice and compete at a high level firsthand. He understands the new winning culture, foundation, and standard that’s been established.
The offensive line has the most question marks entering next season, but the program isn’t worried about the new lineup and getting them prepared for bigger tasks.
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