The Miami Hurricanes are once again reloading up front-and if history tells us anything, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Heading into the 2026 season, Miami will debut a new-look offensive line, replacing four of the five starters from a unit that helped power the Hurricanes all the way to the National Championship Game last year. That kind of turnover might rattle most programs. But under head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal, this isn’t uncharted territory-it’s practically tradition.
A Proven Formula at Left Tackle
One of the most intriguing storylines this offseason is the left tackle position. It’s a key spot on any offensive line, and Miami’s had a revolving door there in recent years. But what’s remarkable is how consistently effective that position has been under Cristobal and Mirabal, even with new faces stepping in year after year.
This isn’t new for the coaching duo. Back in their Oregon days, they rotated left tackles with regularity and still produced high-level results.
In 2018, they handed the reins to a true freshman named Penei Sewell-he logged 448 snaps that year and went on to become a top-10 NFL Draft pick. In 2020, it was Steven Jones.
In 2021, T.J. Bass.
Different players, same outcome: solid play at a premium position.
That trend continued when Cristobal and Mirabal arrived in Coral Gables.
A Year-By-Year Breakdown
Let’s rewind the tape and take a closer look at how Miami has handled left tackle since 2022:
2022 - John Campbell:
With Zion Nelson sidelined due to injury, Campbell stepped in.
He had some prior experience-four starts in 2020-but had missed the entire 2021 season. In 2022, he allowed 19 pressures and five sacks.
It wasn’t always smooth, and he eventually moved on to Tennessee via the transfer portal. Still, he held the line during a transition year.
2023 - Jalen Rivers:
Rivers made the switch from left guard to left tackle and brought a steady presence.
He allowed 15 pressures and three sacks-not elite numbers, but solid for a player adjusting to a new position. Rivers had logged over 800 snaps before taking over at left tackle, and that experience showed.
2024 - Jalen Rivers & Markel Bell:
Injuries forced Miami to split duties at left tackle.
Rivers missed time but still managed to play 364 snaps at the position, allowing just one sack. Bell, meanwhile, stepped in for five starts and saw 544 total snaps.
He had his ups and downs, giving up 18 pressures and three sacks, but it was clear the raw tools were there.
2025 - Markel Bell:
Bell’s development became one of the standout stories of the season.
After an inconsistent 2024, he turned in a stellar 2025 campaign. Over 1,034 snaps, Bell didn’t allow a single sack and gave up only 15 pressures.
His pass-blocking grade jumped to 83.5, a massive leap from the previous year’s 63.6. That kind of year-over-year growth is exactly what Cristobal and Mirabal are known for.
And here’s the kicker: none of these players were considered elite NFL prospects at left tackle. Campbell went undrafted.
Rivers projects as an interior lineman at the next level. Bell might be a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.
Yet Miami’s offensive line has remained a strength, especially in pass protection.
Enter Matthew McCoy
Now, it’s Matthew McCoy’s turn.
At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, McCoy brings the physical profile you want in a left tackle. He’s athletic-back in high school, he even lined up at tight end and caught a touchdown pass. He also played basketball, averaging over five rebounds per game, which speaks to his footwork and coordination.
McCoy has spent the last two seasons at left guard, where he’s quietly built up 1,427 offensive snaps. That makes him the most experienced first-time starting left tackle Miami has had under Cristobal and Mirabal. He’s added significant mass to his frame, and now the focus is on reshaping that into quickness and agility to handle speed off the edge.
There will be growing pains-there always are with a position switch like this-but McCoy isn’t starting from scratch. He’s been in the system.
He knows the expectations. And more importantly, he’s got two of the best offensive line coaches in the country guiding him through the transition.
The Track Record Speaks
Let’s put it in perspective. Here’s how Miami’s starting left tackles have graded out in pass protection under Cristobal and Mirabal, according to PFF:
- 2022 - John Campbell: 73.5 grade (19 pressures, 5 sacks)
- 2023 - Jalen Rivers: 73.5 grade (15 pressures, 3 sacks)
- 2024 - Jalen Rivers: 78.8 grade (9 pressures, 1 sack)
- 2024 - Markel Bell: 63.6 grade (18 pressures, 3 sacks)
- 2025 - Markel Bell: 83.5 grade (15 pressures, 0 sacks)
Outside of 2022, every season has seen above-average to strong play at left tackle. And Bell’s 2025 campaign? That’s the gold standard so far.
So while the 2026 Hurricanes will feature a new face at left tackle, they won’t be entering uncharted waters. Cristobal and Mirabal have turned this position into a plug-and-play success story, consistently developing their linemen into reliable, high-performing starters.
McCoy’s up next. And if the past is any indicator, he’s in good hands-and Miami’s offensive line won’t be skipping a beat.