Miami’s offensive line took a hit as two players, Zion Nelson and Frankie Tinilau, have entered the transfer portal, marking a major shift for the Hurricanes’ future plans.
Zion Nelson, once a highly touted prospect, has faced a tough road, with injuries sidelining him since 2021. After starting 32 games from 2019 to 2021, primarily at left tackle, Nelson’s promising career has been marred by setbacks. He made a splash as a true freshman, despite allowing the most sacks in the nation, but bounced back to earn honorable-mention All-ACC honors in 2021. However, injuries during the 2021 training camp took their toll, and Nelson was forced into medical retirement, having only played one game since then. Once a key piece in Miami’s offensive line, his departure opens the door for new faces in the trenches.
Tinilau, an Australian rugby standout who transitioned to football, joined Miami as a highly ranked prospect in 2023 but never made a significant impact. At 6’5″ and 315 pounds, Tinilau’s only appearances for the Hurricanes came in blowout games against Ball State and Florida A&M, and he’s now looking to continue his journey elsewhere.
While these departures may seem significant, they’re less of a blow to Miami’s plans than one might think. The Hurricanes are stacked with talent on the offensive line, with returning starters Markel Bell, Francis Mauigoa, Anez Cooper, and Matthew McCoy already in place. The team is also looking to add a starting center, potentially through the transfer portal, continuing their trend of bolstering the offensive line with experienced talent.
While the loss of Nelson and Tinilau won’t significantly impact the immediate future of the offensive line, it’s clear that Miami’s focus on strengthening this position will remain a top priority under head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal.
