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Miami Hurricanes: Can TE Lofton Revive Tight End U?
11 Aug
Summary
- Miami has four tight ends currently in the NFL.
- Elija Lofton is the likely starter, with mixed blocking grades.
- Key freshman Luka Gilbert is out for the 2026 season due to injury.
The Miami Hurricanes, once renowned as 'Tight End U,' face a critical juncture in 2026 to reclaim their standing. The program's current NFL presence includes four tight ends: David Njoku, Will Mallory, Brevin Jordan, and Elijah Arroyo.
Njoku has been a consistent performer since 2017, while Jordan and Arroyo have also contributed with touchdown catches. However, Mallory has yet to score a touchdown. The roster features ten tight ends for the upcoming season.
Elija Lofton, a former four-star recruit, is the projected starter. Despite five touchdown catches over his career, his performance in 2025, as graded by PFF, showed areas for improvement, particularly in blocking.
Luka Gilbert, a promising freshman who showed potential with his receiving yards, has unfortunately torn his ACL and will miss the entire 2026 season. Other tight ends on the roster include Jackson Carver, Jack Nickel, Owen Ruskavich, Cole McConathay, Gavin Mueller, and Israel Briggs.
Miami's offensive scheme incorporates tight ends in various receiving concepts and run blocking schemes. The prediction for 2026 is that Lofton will receive significant playing time, but his performance may determine whether he remains the starter or is potentially replaced by an offensive lineman for blocking situations.
