2026 Miami Hurricanes Position Preview: Offensive Line

The prize position of the Miami Hurricanes this offseason out of the 2026 recruiting class prepares for his first season as another projected freshman starter. The last player to do it was Francis Mauigoa who went on to be a first round pick in this past years draft.

However, for Cantwell, the goals is to play him everywhere so the best five can be on the field at all time. He has all the upside and has been going into the fire with the best since last season, and it has helped his growth moving forward.

Samson Okunlola

Argueably, the most important piece to this puzzle for the Hurricanes is the former five-star tackle. Okunlola and Cantwell are battling it out for the left tackle position this season, but with some of the most experience in the group, he will be one of the key leaders up front.

He played at key points during the Canes' National Championship appearance, appearing in 16 games and starting against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, which also helped build the team's confidence for this season.

Ryan Rodriguez

One of the oldest players on the roster and one of the key players who has built the trust of others around him in the locker room. Rodriguez is one of two remaining players from the Manny Diaz era, and now he is the projected starting center heading into this season.

It is a position that he takes a lot of pride in along with his coaches who believe in him.

“I think we’re really gelling," Rodriguez said. "A lot of reps, a lot of different looks, a lot of chemistry. Obviously, you’ve got to go through different looks, different practices, different periods, situations, and we’ve got some young guys, so they’ve got to experience a lot of things, but everyone’s stepping up to the plate. Everybody’s hungry to learn, and we’re all excited to keep getting better.”

Matthew McCoy

Another key starter and rotational player entering this season comes from McCoy. The 6-foot-6 giant played key moments during the playoffs last season alongside Okunlola but was consistently on the field more. The redshirt senior started 15 of the 16 games the Hurricanes played, seeing the fifth -most snaps among offensive linemen.

Moreover, this is a chance for him to solidify himself as a strong draft pick after this season, a role that most saw him projected for when he committed to the Hurricanes.

Max Buchanan

As a freshman last season, Buchanan saw the field in fives games but made the most out of his opportunity. Moreover, this season he is battling it out with another player who would round out the starting five this season.

However, don't be shocked if he is rotated in and out like others above him have been during their time at Miami.

Rotational Depth

Ben Congdon, Jaden Wilkerson, Jamal Meriweather, Joel Ervin, and SJ Alofaituli

The rest of the Hurricanes' depth at o-line continues to be blue-chip prospects waiting for their turn. Furthermore, because of the question marks on who is going to be where, any one of these players can make that jump.

Congdon and Buchanan will battle it out for the right side at either guard or tackle, while the rest look to take some time over others at center or guard.

Full 2026 Miami Hurricanes Position Preview:

Miami Hurricanes on SI will keep an updated position preview until fall camp starts in August.

Quarterbacks
Cornerbacks
Running Backs
Safety
Linebackers
Wide Receivers