Jackson Roper: A Rising Star in the 2027 Recruiting Class
Jackson Roper, a standout interior offensive lineman from Cherry Creek High in Englewood, Colorado, has narrowed his college choices to an impressive top 10. This four-star recruit is drawing attention from some of the biggest programs in the nation, including Miami, Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and USC.
Standing tall at 6-foot-5 and weighing 305 pounds, Roper is ranked as the No. 160 overall prospect in the 2027 class by 247Sports and is the No. 7 interior offensive lineman nationally. On3's industry rankings have him at No. 239 overall and No. 14 at his position, while he's recognized as the top player in Colorado.
Roper's recruitment journey is picking up steam with official visits already lined up for USC, Ohio State, and Oregon, and more in the pipeline. The buzz around Texas A&M is strong, with On3's Recruiting Prediction Machine favoring them as a leading contender.
Miami's Offensive Line Legacy Under Cristobal
Miami's pitch to Roper is bolstered by their strong track record of developing NFL-ready offensive linemen under head coach Mario Cristobal. The Hurricanes are making waves with their upcoming representation in the 2026 NFL draft.
Left tackle Markel Bell, guard Anez Cooper, and right tackle Francis Mauigoa are all heading to the NFL combine, with Mauigoa projected as a potential top-five pick. Bell and Cooper are also looking to improve their draft stock, while center James Brockermeyer, although not invited to the combine, is still expected to attract NFL interest.
With four starting offensive linemen from last year's team set to join NFL rosters, Miami's ability to groom players for the next level is clear. For a recruit like Roper, this not only highlights Miami's developmental prowess but also signals potential starting opportunities as the Hurricanes look to reload their offensive line in the coming seasons.