Ryan Rodriguez: No. 4 UM's Most Impenetrable Offensive Lineman

MIAMI, Fla. – Over the last three seasons, head coach Mario Cristobal brought in transfer offensive linemen (Matt Lee in 2023, Zach Carpenter in 2024, and James Brockermeyer in 2025) to take over as the Miami Hurricanes’ starting center, but this time, it was homegrown product Ryan Rodriguez’s turn.

Coming from Christopher Columbus High School, the former three-star recruit received other Power Four scholarship offers, but he decided to stay in South Florida. However, Rodriguez’s collegiate career didn’t start on the best note. In the 2021 season, he only played in one game, primarily served on the practice squad and redshirted. The following year, Rodriguez was sidelined because of offseason surgery.

In the 2023 season, the Miami native appeared in six games, including a starting nod against Rutgers in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl at center. As Rodriguez was regaining momentum, he was named the starting left guard in the 2024 opener against Florida at Gainesville. However, an ankle injury in the second half would rob him of the whole season.

Despite the incoming transfers and setbacks, Rodriguez never entered the transfer portal and stuck to the course. It’s paying off for him and the Hurricanes, who have started this season 5-0, coming off a 41-13 win over Clemson at Death Valley (Memorial Stadium). Rodriguez made a statement in the first drive. As offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson called for a tunnel screen for wide receiver Cooper Barkate, he blocked Tigers cornerback Elliot Washington II so good, the senior fell to the ground.

Rodriguez was visibly excited as the Hurricanes scored a 61-yard touchdown.

The 23-year-old has logged 284 snaps on the season thus far, all at center, and hasn’t allowed a pressure or sack, plus no penalties drawn.

Rodriguez has lived up to the challenge of leading the Hurricanes’ new offensive line. He’s connected with quarterback Darian Mensah smoothly when snapping the football. Rodriguez is first among starters in both Pro Football Focus grades for pass blocking (76.3) and run blocking (76.9).

It could be considered a gamble for the Coral Gables program not to pursue a veteran center in the transfer portal, but sticking with the in-house talent is paying off.

Rodriguez could emerge as a late-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft if this high level of production continues.

The Hurricanes are currently in a bye week, then return to the field at Hard Rock Stadium for an in-state rivalry clash on prime time against the Florida State Seminoles; kickoff is scheduled at 7:00 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ESPN.

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