Miami offensive linemen Zion Nelson and Frankie Tinilau have entered the transfer portal per Pete Nakos of On3. Nelson was declared medically retired and has played only one game since 2021. Tinilau took a medical redshirt during his true freshman season without any appearances.
Nelson played in 35 games and started 32 between 2019 and 2021 for Miami, primarily at left tackle. Nelson allowed the most sacks nationally starting as a true freshman in 2019. With Nelson starting his first game at left tackle in 2019, Miami allowed nine sacks in a 24-20 loss to Florida in the season opener.
Nelson significantly improved and was named honorable-mention All-ACC in 2021. Nelson's injuries began during 2021 training camp. Nelson rebounded and started all 12 games for Miami in 2021 as the Hurricanes finished 7-5 during their last season under Manny Diaz.
Nelson was the1,386th prospect, 115th offensive tackle and 27th player in South Carolina out of Sumter. Nelson was the 10th-ranked signee and the last remaining Hurricane from the 2019 Miami class. At 6'5 and 316 scouts were intrigued with Nelson's athleticism for an OT.
Miami offensive tackle Zion Nelson has entered the transfer portal, @On3sports has learned.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) December 24, 2024
He's started 32 career games. He medically retired in July. https://t.co/VxSGJEUisH pic.twitter.com/yt2blXNoF0
Tinilau who grew up playing rugby in Melbourne, Australia, was the 1.095th prospect, 83rd OT and 152nd player in Florida out of Miami LaSalle in the 2023 class. At 6'5 and 315 pounds, Tinalau grew too big to play rugby. The only two appearances for Tinilau with Miami came versus Ball State and Florida A&M in 2024.
Miami offensive tackle Frankie Tinilau plans to enter the transfer portal, a source tells @On3sports. https://t.co/wMrfFrdlE6 pic.twitter.com/zhnCssUT4a
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) December 25, 2024
Neither Nelson nor Tinilau were likely in the future plans for Miami on the OL. Miami returns tackles Markel Bell and Francis Mauigoa and guards Anez Cooper and Matthew McCoy on the OL. Miami could target a center in the transfer portal for the third consecutive year with Zach Carpenter completing his eligibility.
Mario Cristobal and OL coach Alex Mirabal have made the OL a priority for Miami. Miami is deep on the OL. Losing Nelson and Tinilau is not significant. Nelson and Tinliau have barely played in the last two seasons. Miami could still target OL in the transfer portal to add depth and potentially a starting center.