As Miami basks in the afterglow of its national championship run, one major question still looms large: will standout left tackle Markel Bell be back in Coral Gables next season, or is he headed to the NFL?
Bell, the former No. 1 junior college offensive lineman in the country out of Holmes (Miss.) Community College, just wrapped up his second season with the Hurricanes. Since arriving as part of the Class of 2024, he’s grown into one of the cornerstones of Miami’s offensive line - and a player whose next move could have major ripple effects across the program.
Right now, Bell isn’t tipping his hand.
“I’m still figuring it out,” he said during Media Day ahead of Monday’s title game. “What I really been focused on is the game on Monday and just going 1-0.”
That’s been the mindset all season for Bell, who’s helped anchor a Miami line that’s been critical to the team’s success - both in pass protection and in establishing a physical identity up front. But with the season now in the books, the decision clock is ticking. Bell has another year of eligibility if he wants it, but the NFL is calling - and his stock is trending up.
When asked directly if returning to Miami was still a possibility, Bell didn’t shy away from the idea.
“Yeah, it’s most definitely an option,” he said. “And also, I think, it’s an equal option for me to go to the league. Like I said, I’m just focused on going 1-0 on Monday and winning that game.”
Bell’s rise has been one of the more impressive development stories on this Miami roster. Offensive line coach Alex Mirabal - who’s only dipped into the JUCO ranks once during his four-year tenure - saw something special in Bell, and that bet has paid off.
“It’s been a blessing to have them as coaches,” Bell said of Mirabal and the staff. “It’s the time they invested in me as a player and individually, I just really appreciate it.
It’s paying off right now with me playing in the national championship coming from junior college. I feel like they really just helped me as a player.”
If Bell does decide to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, Miami will be staring down the challenge of replacing four starters along the offensive line - a tall task for any program, let alone one looking to stay at the top of the college football mountain.
And while nothing is official yet, signs are pointing toward Bell making the jump. Miami is actively recruiting former Colorado left tackle Jordan Seaton, a highly sought-after transfer, which suggests the Hurricanes are preparing for life after Bell.
For now, though, the ball is in Bell’s court. Whether it’s another year in Coral Gables or a leap to the next level, his decision will be one of the most important offseason storylines for a Miami team looking to build on its championship pedigree.