With the 2026 season approaching, national expectations for Miami continue to rise. During ACC Football Kickoff, ACC Network highlighted what it believes could be one of the Hurricanes biggest advantages this fall, the line of scrimmage. The network released its projected starting offensive and defensive fronts, showcasing a mix of elite recruits, returning starters, and impact additions who could make Miami one of the most physical teams in the ACC.
On the offensive line, ACC Network projects Jackson Cantwell at left tackle, Samson Okunlola at left guard, Ryan Rodriguez at center, Max Buchanan at right guard, and Matthew McCoy at right tackle. Cantwell arrives in Coral Gables as the nation’s top-ranked offensive tackle and one of the highest-rated players in the 2026 recruiting class after a standout career at Nixa High School in Missouri. Okunlola, a former five-star recruit from Thayer Academy in Massachusetts, looks ready to take another step after showing flashes of his potential. Rodriguez brings experience and leadership at center after coming through powerhouse Christopher Columbus High School, while Buchanan has continued to develop into a dependable piece of the offensive line. McCoy rounds out the unit after earning valuable playing time and is expected to lock down the right tackle spot.
On the defensive side, ACC Network projects Marquise Lightfoot, Justin Scott, Ahmad Moten Sr., and Damon Wilson II to lead the way. Lightfoot was one of the top edge rushers in the country coming out of Kenwood Academy in Chicago, while Scott arrived as another five-star prospect from St. Ignatius College Prep. Moten has developed into one of the leaders of Miami’s defensive front after putting together a strong 2025 season. Wilson brings SEC experience after transferring from Missouri and gives the Hurricanes another explosive pass-rushing threat off the edge.
Since arriving at Miami, Mario Cristobal has made it clear that everything starts up front. His staff has invested heavily in recruiting offensive and defensive linemen, while also using the transfer portal to fill important needs with experienced players. That approach is beginning to pay off, and it’s a big reason why national media continue to view Miami as one of the teams to watch entering the season.
This isn’t Miami’s official depth chart, and plenty can change before the opener. Still, ACC Network’s projection says a lot about how the Hurricanes are viewed nationally. Championship teams are built in the trenches, and on paper, Miami has the talent to compete with anyone. If this group plays to its potential, the Hurricanes will have the kind of offensive and defensive lines capable of carrying them through the ACC race and into the College Football Playoff conversation.
On the offensive line, ACC Network projects Jackson Cantwell at left tackle, Samson Okunlola at left guard, Ryan Rodriguez at center, Max Buchanan at right guard, and Matthew McCoy at right tackle. Cantwell arrives in Coral Gables as the nation’s top-ranked offensive tackle and one of the highest-rated players in the 2026 recruiting class after a standout career at Nixa High School in Missouri. Okunlola, a former five-star recruit from Thayer Academy in Massachusetts, looks ready to take another step after showing flashes of his potential. Rodriguez brings experience and leadership at center after coming through powerhouse Christopher Columbus High School, while Buchanan has continued to develop into a dependable piece of the offensive line. McCoy rounds out the unit after earning valuable playing time and is expected to lock down the right tackle spot.
On the defensive side, ACC Network projects Marquise Lightfoot, Justin Scott, Ahmad Moten Sr., and Damon Wilson II to lead the way. Lightfoot was one of the top edge rushers in the country coming out of Kenwood Academy in Chicago, while Scott arrived as another five-star prospect from St. Ignatius College Prep. Moten has developed into one of the leaders of Miami’s defensive front after putting together a strong 2025 season. Wilson brings SEC experience after transferring from Missouri and gives the Hurricanes another explosive pass-rushing threat off the edge.
Since arriving at Miami, Mario Cristobal has made it clear that everything starts up front. His staff has invested heavily in recruiting offensive and defensive linemen, while also using the transfer portal to fill important needs with experienced players. That approach is beginning to pay off, and it’s a big reason why national media continue to view Miami as one of the teams to watch entering the season.
This isn’t Miami’s official depth chart, and plenty can change before the opener. Still, ACC Network’s projection says a lot about how the Hurricanes are viewed nationally. Championship teams are built in the trenches, and on paper, Miami has the talent to compete with anyone. If this group plays to its potential, the Hurricanes will have the kind of offensive and defensive lines capable of carrying them through the ACC race and into the College Football Playoff conversation.
