After three seasons of starting a transfer center, Miami is expected to go in-house in 2026, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. According to Jackson, Miami offensive line coach Alex Mirabal mentioned SJ Alofaituli, Nino Francavilla and Ryan Rodriguez as the potential starting center for Miami in 2026.
Francavilla entered the Transfer Portal on Tuesday. Rodriguez brings more experience entering his sixth season with Miami in 2026. Alofaituli was a four-star signee with Miami in the 2025 class and the 10th-ranked interior OL. After playing in 10 games in 2025, Alofaituli will be a sophomore in 2026.
Rodriguez played in 12 games for Miami in 2025 with no starts. After redshirting as a freshman in 2021, Rodriguez gained an extra season of eligibility due to suffering an injury that ended the year for him in 2025 in the opener against Florida.
Rodriguez played in one game as a true freshman in 2021 before missing the entire 2022 season recovering from surgery. In 2023, Rodriguez played in six games for Miami with one start. Rodriguez was finally healthy in 2025.
Emory Williams, Amari Wallace, Bobby Washington, Nino Francavilla and Deryc Plazz are the 5 Canes who have entered portal or leaked plans to do so today. Alex Mirabal said Saturday that UM would stay in house at center next season, mentioning Francavilla, SJ Olafaituli and Ryan…
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 21, 2026
Alofaituli and Rodriguez provide versatility
Alofaituli and Rodriguez provide Miami with flexibility on the OL to play center or guard. Rodriguez started at left guard in the 2024 season opener against Florida. Alofaituli probably provides Miami with more upside and greater talent at center. Rodriguez brings more experience on the OL.
David Lake of Inside the U projected the 2026 Miami OL in May 2025, with Rodriguez as the starting center. Lake projects Alofaituli to be in the top seven or eight Miami OL in 2026 and that he could benefit from another year of development.
Two-year starter Matthew McCoy projects to be the only starting OL to return for Miami in 2026. Miami starting left tackle Markel Bell accepted a Senior Bowl invitation on Wednesday. Five-star 2026 signee Jackson Cantwell is a lock to start at tackle for Miami in 2026.