Miami Hurricanes' Elija Lofton Starting to Make Bold Statement

MIAMI, Fla. – After a slow start to the season, Miami Hurricanes junior tight end Elija Lofton is becoming more involved offensively and capitalizing on opportunities.

The Las Vegas (Nev.) native began getting more targets starting against Wake Forest on Sept. 18 at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In the second quarter, Lofton caught two deep passes, including a 21-yard touchdown. He ran a wheel route and was left completely open against Wake Forest’s secondary. Lofton finished with a collegiate career-high five catches for 39 yards, including the touchdown, as the Hurricanes won 33-20.

Afterwards, in last Saturday’s 41-13 win over Clemson at Death Valley (Memorial Stadium), the 20-year-old displayed physicality on the Tigers’ defense. In the first quarter, on first-and-10, Lofton caught a short pass near the Hurricanes’ 38-yard line, then used his 6-3, 242-pound frame and pads to force junior cornerback Ashton Hampton out of the way and convert on the first down at the 50.

The same physical will was shown in the third quarter.

In another first-and-10 situation, Lofton caught another short pass at Clemson’s 29-yard line, then broke a tackle by senior safety Ronan Hanafin, who needed four other Tigers defenders to bring him down around the 15, plus converting the first down.

The former four-star recruit is starting to put all of the pieces together. Although Mensah has several playmakers from the wide receivers to the running backs, Lofton’s versatility is valuable. Last season, he primarily served as a backup to Alex Bauman. Lofton caught 23 passes for 218 yards and scored three touchdowns. He only had six games with multiple catches and is already halfway to crossing that mark this season.

Lofton’s reliable hands and physicality will be needed as the Hurricanes continue Atlantic Coast Conference play. They’re currently in a bye week, then return to the field at Hard Rock Stadium for a prime-time clash against the Florida State Seminoles. Lofton has shone when the lights get brighter. As opposing defenses look to take away deep opportunities from Mensah, it can create open opportunities for Lofton to make them play. Although he’s not the most talked-about tight end in college football, the winning impact shouldn’t be overlooked.

The Hurricanes have started the season 5-0 (ACC 3-0) for a third consecutive time. Lofton is first-time eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft. If he continues to show consistent production, it will likely draw the attention of scouts and front office personnel.

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