Miami signs former Georgia OL in latest transfer statement from Mario Cristobal

With the Darian Mensah saga seemingly a long way from being resolved, Mario Cristobal is focusing on the things he can control, which is the rebuilding of the 2026 Miami Hurricanes and finding the pieces that can fit into the plan.

While the Hurricanes have been a big part of the discussions involving elite transfer offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, Cristobal made a move that might not be as flashy, but could prove to be just as big for the offensive line next season.

Jamal Meriweather commits to the Miami Hurricanes

Meriweather will be a redshirt junior next season. He appeared in 13 games for the Georgia Bulldogs last season and has the ability to play left tackle or guard. The size (6-foot-7, 305 pounds), arm length and athleticism are all great tools to work with, and it's a great opportunity for Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal to work with an older player that can still be developed more. 

This doesn't necessarily eliminate the Hurricanes from the Seaton sweepstakes, but it does give offer the roster some additional flexibility and options. Meriweather has established himself as a starter, but he is talented enough to have gotten on the field in neatly every game for the top team in the SEC this past season. 

The Hurricanes offensive line will have some major changes next season. Francis Mauigoa will enter the NFL Draft and is almost a lock to be a first-round pick. Senior guard Anez Cooper and center James Brockermeyer have run out of eligibility. It's already believed that the Hurricanes will look internally to find the next center, with Ryan Rodriguez expected to get a sixth year of eligibility. 

So there are plenty of spots to fill, and the opportunity is there for Meriweather to be in the starting lineup on the left side. If he doesn't crack the starting lineup, his versatility would make him a good candidate to be the "swing lineman" that can jump in at one of several positions. 

Meriweather is the eighth player to commit to the Hurricanes from the transfer portal and the first offensive lineman.