Expect Miami football targeting OL post spring transfer portal entries
After losing offensive linemen Jonathan Denis, Logan Sagopolu and Chris Washington to the transfer portal last week, expect the Miami football program to target the position this spring. Miami has four starting positions on the OL almost certain. Left guard is the one position projected to be open entering August training camp.
Right Guard Anez Cooper and Tackles Francis Mauigoa and Jalen Rivers are returning starters for Miami on the OL. Center Zach Carpenter transferred from Indiana during the winter transfer portal window. The departure of 2023 starting left guard Javion Cohen without a replacement left the position open entering the offseason.
Miami crosstrains its OL. There are multiple options for Miami at LG. The most likely is the Hurricanes will pursue a transfer OL. There are numerous OL available in the transfer portal. Many of the available OL are on the interior. Miami has reportedly contacted USC transfer C Jason Zandamela.
Zandamela would be a long-term developmental player behind Carpenter. Florida is reportedly trendering for Zandemela. Originally a four-star signee with USC in the 2024 class, Zandamela is reported to want to return closer to his home in Clearwater. Miami signed three-star C Nino Francavilla in the 2024 class.
Rivers played guard earlier in his Miami career but is expected to stay at LT per OL coach Alex Mirabal during spring practice. Luis Cristobal started at left guard for Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl versus Rutgers. Redshirt freshman Samson Okulola and redshirt sophomore Matthew McCoy are the current favorites to be the Miami starting LG.
Redshirt freshmen Tommy Kinsler and Frankie Tinilau and redshirt sophomore Ryan Rodriguez are other players to watch at LF. Rodriguez is a center but has the potential to play LG. Miami also has the option to start 6'8, 335-pound junior college transfer Markel Bell at tackle and move Mauigoa or Rivers inside.
dark. Next. Mario Cristobal discusses Miami plan getting roster down to 85 scholarship players. Mario Cristobal discusses Miami plan getting roster down to 85 scholarship players
Outside of the projected starting four OL, Miami does not have a lot of experience up front. Adding a veteran OL will provide the younger players more time to develop. With the transfers Miami has added to its 2024 roster, led by quarterback Cam Ward, the Hurricanes are in win-now mode.