The Miami Hurricanes are reloading in the trenches, and they’ve just added a new piece to the puzzle. Former Georgia offensive lineman Jamal Meriweather is heading to Coral Gables, bringing size, versatility, and untapped potential to a Miami offensive line that’s set to undergo some serious changes heading into 2026.
Meriweather, who spent the last three seasons in Athens, never cracked the starting lineup for the Bulldogs but showed flashes of promise in limited action. At 6-foot-7 and 305 pounds, he’s got the kind of frame coaches dream about. And while his on-field experience has been limited-just 77 total snaps over 10 games-his efficiency in those reps is what stands out.
In 2025, Meriweather played 56 snaps across six appearances and didn’t allow a single sack. In fact, he gave up just one quarterback pressure all season, and that came during a brief stint at right tackle against Kentucky.
The rest of his work came mostly at left guard, where he looked comfortable and composed. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted a 72.5 pass-blocking grade-a solid mark that suggests he can hold his own when asked to protect the quarterback.
What makes Meriweather especially intriguing for Miami is his positional flexibility. He’s logged time at both guard spots and even got a taste of tackle. That kind of versatility is invaluable, especially for a Hurricanes squad that’s about to see significant turnover up front.
After a national championship season, Miami is expected to lose up to four starters along the offensive line. That’s a big hit, but it’s not a total reset.
The 'Canes still have some experienced pieces returning, including left guards Matthew McCoy and Samson Okunlola, who shared time throughout the title run. Veteran interior lineman Ryan Rodriguez is also eligible to return, and the program has already welcomed prized freshman tackle Jackson Cantwell, who joined the team during Cotton Bowl prep.
Adding Meriweather to the mix gives Miami another option with Power Five experience and a physical profile that fits what they like to do up front. He may not have been a star at Georgia, but in the right system-and with the right opportunity-he could become a valuable contributor.
It’s a classic case of low-risk, high-upside. For Miami, that’s a smart play as they look to keep the offensive line humming in 2026.