2025 Miami Football Position Breakdown: Offensive Lineman

The bread and butter of the Miami Hurricanes team this season are the monsters on the offensive line. Last season, they were rated as one of the best groups in the country. They have brought back the same productions and continued to improve.

At worst, the Hurricanes have a top five offensive line this season. That is championship worthy and the consistency that they have built after years of developing and recruiting will start to show this season.

Projected Starting Lineup:

Francis Mauigoa, OT

Jul 22, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, Jr answers questions from the media during ACC Media Days at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The focal point of this offensive starts with the projected high first-round pick in the 2026 Draft. Mauigoa is a monster who was a pro as a freshman starting out the gate. He has only gotten quicker, faster, and better learning under Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal.

Anez Cooper, RG

Oct 5, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Anez Cooper (73) before the game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Another returning player on the right side of the lineup is Cooper. Making waves this offseason for some online trash talk against the Florida Gators, the talented guard is returning for another season alongside Muaigoa. He has been a mainstay on the line since his freshman season, starting four games during that time, and has not let up the spot since. The right side of the lineup will be quarterback Carson Beck's best friend this upcoming season.

James Brockermeyer, C

Sep 28, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; TCU Horned Frogs running back Cam Cook (4) celebrates with offensive lineman James Brockermeyer (52) after scoring against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The third year in a row where the Hurricanes have hit the transfer portal for a center, and they struck gold once again. Coming from TCU, Brockermeyer is one of the most important pieces in the lineup for the Canes. He has years of experience under his belt, and the Hurricanes' hit rate is 100 percent so far with center transfers.

Ryan Rodriguez/Matthew McCoy, LG

Sep 23, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Ryan Rodriguez (76) prepares to snap the ball in the second half against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lewis-Imagn Images | Andy Lewis-Imagn Images

After suffering an injury last season, keeping him out of the lineup for most games, the redshirt senior is back in a new position. The best thing about the Hurricanes' linemen is that they are all cross-trained to do anything on the line. Rodriguez is one of those players who has a lot to prove this season, with younger players behind him ready to take his spot.

McCoy was a starter all last season thanks to the injury of Rodriguez, but he is a quality starter in his own right if he wanted to leave and enter the draft as well. He proved to be a great piece for the Canes and can get some starting time if all else fails.

Markell Bell, LT

Sep 7, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Elijah Arroyo (8) celebrates with Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Markel Bell (70) after scoring a touchdown against Florida A&M Rattlers during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The 6-foot-9 physical specimen is getting his time as a starter this season after spending most rotating between Jalen Rivers. Bell is a monster and has one of the highest upside this season for the Canes. Some see him as a potential late first-round pick if he can capitalize on what he was able to build on last season.

Rotational Pieces

Sep 23, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Samson Okunlola (63) in the second half against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lewis-Imagn Images | Andy Lewis-Imagn Images

The Hurricanes also have other players who are not starting but will see some time on the field this season. Most of the roster is full of older players preparing to get drafted this season, but behind them are young players who are prepared for anything.

Samson Okunlola has been ready for the Hurricanes for a long time now, but still waits his turn behind Bell. Behind Brockermeyer is the No. 1 offensive tackle from the 2025 recruiting class, SJ Alofaituli.

The Canes are deep this season and they have the number and depth of a championship level roster.

Other Position Breakdowns:

Quarterback
Running backs
Tight End
Wide Receiver (coming soon)
Defensive Line (coming soon)
Linebacker (coming soon)
Cornerback (coming soon)
Safety (coming soon)
Special Teams (coming soon)

Justice Sandle is a graduate of Mississippi State University and is the site lead for the Miami Hurricanes on SI. He can be reached at Twitter @Justice_News5.