Miami Battles Big Ten Power and Lane Kiffin for Star Transfer Lineman

Miami's pursuit of top transfer Jordan Seaton faces mounting pressure as powerhouse programs and big-name coaches intensify the race for the elite offensive tackle.

Jordan Seaton is one of the biggest names in the transfer portal this offseason - and we’re not just talking about his 6-foot-5, 300-pound frame. The former five-star offensive tackle from IMG Academy is back on the market after two seasons at Colorado under Deion Sanders, and he’s quickly become the most coveted non-quarterback in the portal.

Seaton has already made the rounds, visiting Miami, Mississippi State, and LSU. Now, he’s headed to Eugene for a Monday visit with Oregon, adding yet another heavyweight to the mix.

According to ESPN’s transfer portal rankings, Seaton sits at No. 4 overall, and it’s easy to see why. He’s a plug-and-play left tackle with elite footwork, power, and the kind of upside that makes NFL scouts take notice - even if they’re just watching college tape.

Let’s break down the contenders in this high-stakes recruitment:

Miami: The Familiar Fit

The Hurricanes have been in the mix for Seaton from the jump.

There’s a natural draw here - Seaton has Florida roots, and Coral Gables offers a chance to play close to home in a system that’s prioritizing trench dominance. But Miami’s situation is fluid.

The Canes are still waiting on clarity around Francis Mauigoa’s NFL decision, and they’re also chasing Duke transfer Darian Mensah. If Mauigoa turns pro, that opens up a starting tackle spot.

If Mensah commits, that could change the math. Timing is everything here, and Miami may need a few dominoes to fall before they can make a full-court press for Seaton.

LSU: The Flash and the Fit

Seaton’s weekend visit to Baton Rouge included a stop at Tiger Stadium and dinner at one of the city’s top steakhouses.

That’s not just a recruiting trip - that’s a statement. LSU has already shown it's willing to spend to compete in the portal, landing former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt earlier this cycle.

With a proven track record of developing NFL linemen and a clear need at tackle, LSU checks a lot of boxes. The Tigers are a serious player here.

Oregon: The Nike Factor

The Ducks are the latest team to get Seaton on campus, and they’ve got plenty to offer.

Oregon has consistently used the portal to reload, not rebuild, and the program’s deep ties to Nike give it a unique edge in the NIL era. Seaton would fit right into a high-tempo offense that needs reliable protection on the edge.

With the Pac-12 dissolving and Oregon heading into a new Big Ten landscape, adding a top-tier tackle like Seaton would be a major win for Dan Lanning’s squad.

Mississippi State: The Wild Card

Don’t sleep on the Bulldogs.

While they may not have the national profile of the other three, Mississippi State got the first visit from Seaton - and that’s not nothing. The key here is Phil Loadholt, Seaton’s former offensive line coach at Colorado, who’s now on Jeff Lebby’s staff in Starkville.

Relationships matter in the portal, and Loadholt’s presence gives the Bulldogs a puncher’s chance. They’re the dark horse in this race, but they’re very much in it.

**What’s Next? **

Seaton’s recruitment might come down to two things: comfort and compensation. Reports have pegged his NIL value around $2.5 million for the 2026 season - a hefty price tag, but one that reflects his elite talent and immediate impact potential.

Each of these programs has the resources to compete financially, so it may ultimately be about fit, relationships, and opportunity.

There’s also the timing factor. With the national championship in the rearview mirror, schools are beginning to finalize their rosters and make final pushes in the portal.

Miami, for example, needs clarity on Mauigoa and Mensah before it can go all-in on Seaton. Until then, the door remains wide open for other suitors.

Bottom line: Jordan Seaton is the kind of player who can change the trajectory of an offensive line the moment he steps on campus. Whether it's the familiarity of Miami, the SEC spotlight at LSU or Mississippi State, or the national brand power of Oregon, Seaton’s decision will be one of the most impactful moves of this transfer cycle. Stay tuned - this one’s far from over.