As pads come on and veterans return, the Miami Hurricanes test a revamped offensive line and young defensive depth to maintain the physical identity Mario Cristobal demands in Coral Gables.
MIAMI, Fla. – In a week, the Miami Hurricanes will begin fall camp, according to a post on Ibis Media socials. Unlike spring practices, the demand for physicality and mental strength is greater. All players on the roster will report, wearing pads and preparing for ramp-up contact.
There were a few notable veterans held from spring football, including defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr., linebacker Mohamed Toure, and offensive lineman Samson Okunlola. Given the extra time off, everyone should be at full go.
Here are five things to keep an eye on throughout fall camp:
Offensive line
Mario Cristobal established an identity of dominating the trenches upon returning to Coral Gables in 2021.
Last season’s offensive line ranked in the top 20 among the Football Bowl Subdivision in sacks allowed – 20 total in 16 games. The unit was led by right tackle and All-American Francis Mauigoa, who, along with four starters, departed for the NFL.
Rather than search through the portal, the Hurricanes are relying on in-house talent to fill the voids. The key veterans are Matthew McCoy, Ryan Rodriguez, and Okunlola. All have in-game experience – both in starting and reserve roles.
McCoy is arguably the most interesting projected starter. The redshirt junior revealed in the spring that he will move from left guard to right tackle – Mauigoa’s old spot. McCoy has the frame to play tackle, 6-6 and 325 pounds, but moving from one side of the field to another takes adjustment.
Rodriguez is a sixth-year redshirt senior who’s battled through several injuries. Regardless, the Hurricanes have a great belief in him to take the next step. Okunlola was a key member of last season’s offensive line – splitting snaps at left guard with McCoy. The 21-year-old is likely to stay at left guard full time.
Freshman Jackson Cantwell and sophomore Max Buchanan are the other two projected starters.
Tight end
Outside of returning junior Elija Lofton, the Hurricanes’ tight end room is inexperienced. Returning sophomore Luka Gilbert is the projected backup, but freshmen Gavin Mueller and Israel Briggs can carve out cases to be on the field.
A blocking tight end appeared to be a need during the fall portal window. Despite not adding a transfer to the position room, Mike Viti can help in that area. He served as an associate head coach/offensive line coach at Army last season. The Black Knights only gave up seven total sacks in 13 games.
Gilbert, Mueller, and Briggs have the talent to be playmakers, but blocking will likely be the difference in snaps.
Hayden Lowe
Despite losing both star edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr. to the NFL, the Hurricanes aren’t short of defensive talent at the position. Marquise Lightfoot, Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II, and Armondo Blount won’t have trouble filling the void, but another could emerge on the college football scene.
Redshirt freshman Hayden Lowe missed all of last year with an undisclosed injury. He didn’t participate in spring practices for personal reasons, but a fall camp appearance is very likely.
Lowe was a highly-touted five-star recruit from the 2025 class. The Hurricanes lured him away from USC. He has the frame – 6-5 and 255 pounds – and intangibles to be effective. It will be interesting to track how Lowe progresses throughout fall camp. A starting role likely won’t come right away, but it shouldn’t be ruled out later in the season.
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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
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