Greg McElroy defends his ranking of Miami on Top 10 offensive lines list

Going into the 2025 season, the Miami Hurricanes are hoping to once again make waves in the ACC and compete for the College Football Playoff. To do that, they’re planning on leaning on what should be one of the best offensive line units in the country.

Ahead of the season, analyst Greg McElroy has Miami ranked as the sixth-best offensive line in the country. That’s a ranking that he was able to defend on his show Always College Football.

“I’m a Mario Cristobal fan. I know he has his detractors,” Greg McElroy said. “But I like the way his offensive line plays. I’ve always liked the way his offensive line plays. I’ve seen guys that can’t play go and play for Mario or guys that didn’t play well go and play for Mario, all of a sudden, they have their best years. That’s why I’m always going to remain optimistic about the type of development they have with him and Coach [Alex] Mirabal as his offensive line coach.”

Mario Cristobal was an offensive lineman in his own playing days. He’d go on to become an offensive line coach at multiple stops before becoming a head coach. Through it all, he’s consistently put together excellent offensive lines throughout his career.

“I love their right tackle, Francis Mauigoa. He’s been there forever. We’ve seen him play a ton of football. Both guards are back. You feel great about those guys. You bring [James] Brockermeyer from TCU to kind of be the chess piece in the middle there at center,” McElroy said. “To kind of help think your way through things and help communicate with Carson Beck the new quarterback.”

If there is a major question for Miami going into the 2025 season, it’s the left tackle spot. That’s typically the key position along the offensive line and is going to be vital with a new quarterback in Carson Beck running the offense.

“Do have to figure out how left tackle is gonna play. That is one position that you have to keep a real close eye on, knowing that Carson Beck is coming back from injury. But I still think that this group, collectively, I just trust Mario, I trust Coach Mirabal,” McElroy said. “And I think this group by season’s end will have a top-five unit in the country.”

Miami’s offensive line is going to be tested right out of the gate in 2025. Notre Dame is going to be coming to play the Hurricanes on August 31st for a primetime game.