From Teammates to Super Bowl Rivals: Elijah Arroyo and Andy Borregales Set to Clash on NFL’s Biggest Stage
When the lights go up at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday night for Super Bowl LX, two former Miami Hurricanes will find themselves on opposite sidelines - a long way from their college days in Coral Gables. Tight end Elijah Arroyo will suit up for the Seattle Seahawks, while kicker Andy Borregales will handle kicking duties for the New England Patriots.
Just a year ago, they were teammates. Now, they’re chasing a Lombardi Trophy as rookies - each with a unique path to the biggest game of their careers.
Let’s take a closer look at how they got here.
Andy Borregales: From Coral Gables to Clutch Moments in Foxborough
Andy Borregales’ journey to the Super Bowl started with a powerful leg and a family legacy. The younger brother of former Groza Award winner Jose Borregales, Andy followed in his brother’s footsteps at Miami - and carved out his own place in Hurricanes history.
Before arriving at UM in 2021, Borregales made a name for himself kicking at Chaminade-Madonna and Hialeah Champagnat. Once he got to college, he didn’t waste time making an impact.
As a freshman, he hit 81 percent of his field goals and earned All-ACC honorable mention honors - a recognition he repeated as a sophomore. But it was his final season in 2023 that truly turned heads: Borregales connected on nearly 95 percent of his field goals, missing just once all year, and earned first-team All-ACC honors for the second straight season.
By the time he wrapped up his college career, Borregales had racked up a school-record 405 points - a testament to both his consistency and his ability to deliver in key moments.
That résumé made him the first kicker selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the first from Miami to hear his name called at that position in decades. The Patriots didn’t just draft him - they trusted him with the job from Day 1.
And for the most part, he’s delivered. Borregales has gone 31-of-38 on field goal attempts across the regular season and playoffs, showing the same poise that made him a star in college.
But the road to the Super Bowl hasn’t been without bumps. In the AFC Championship Game, Borregales had a rough outing, missing two of his three attempts.
It was a rare off night in an otherwise strong rookie campaign. Now, with the season on the line, he’ll have a chance to bounce back on the biggest stage of all.
Elijah Arroyo: A Comeback Story Still Being Written
Elijah Arroyo’s path to Super Bowl LX has been defined by resilience. The former Bishop Gorman standout arrived at Miami with high expectations, but back-to-back injury-plagued seasons in 2022 and 2023 - including a torn ACL - kept him from showing what he could really do.
That changed in 2024.
Fully healthy, Arroyo emerged as one of the ACC’s most dangerous tight ends. He caught 35 passes for 590 yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing the blend of size, athleticism, and route-running that made him such a coveted recruit in the first place.
The Seahawks saw enough to make him the 50th overall pick in last year’s draft. And while his rookie season has had its share of setbacks - including another knee injury that sidelined him for a stretch - Arroyo has made the most of his opportunities when on the field. He’s logged 339 offensive snaps and hauled in 15 receptions for 179 yards and a touchdown.
Arroyo was activated from injured reserve just ahead of the NFC Championship Game, though he didn’t see action in that contest. Still, his return to the active roster signals that he could be a factor come Sunday night - especially in a game where every matchup and every snap matters.
From Coral Gables to California: A Full-Circle Moment
It’s not often you see two rookies go from college teammates to Super Bowl opponents in the span of a year. But that’s exactly the case for Borregales and Arroyo. Their journeys have been different - one defined by steady excellence, the other by perseverance through injury - but they’ve both arrived at the same destination: the NFL’s biggest stage.
Now, it’s about one game. One night. One chance to etch their names into football history.
And for two former Canes, it’s a moment they’ve been preparing for their whole careers.