Hurricanes fortify trenches with offensive, defensive line transfers
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The Hurricanes reached the national title game due to their strength in the trenches. Standouts like Rueben Bain Jr., Akheem Mesidor and Francis Mauigoa paved the way for Miami’s success on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
But UM is losing four starters on the offensive line and three starters on the defensive line (with several headed for the NFL), so the Hurricanes looked to the transfer portal to help rebuild their depth on the lines. Miami has added transfer commitments from two offensive linemen and three defensive linemen in the last several days.
The Hurricanes received commitments from star defensive end Damon Wilson II (Missouri) and defensive tackles Keona Davis (Nebraska) and Jarquez Carter (Ohio State). On the offensive line, UM has received commitments from Jamal Meriwether (Georgia) and Johnathan Cline (East Tennessee State).
Wilson, who is entering his senior season, is the star of the group. Last season, Wilson had 23 tackles with nine sacks. He had a 78.5 defensive grade with an 80.9 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus. He was a second-team All-SEC selection and racked up 54 quarterback pressures, which was tied for 13th nationally.
The veteran defensive end will help fill the void left by Bain and Mesidor, who combined for 22 sacks and 150 quarterback pressures last season.
Wilson is in an ongoing legal dispute with his first school, Georgia. Georgia filed for arbitration, claiming Wilson owes $390,000 for leaving, according to The Athletic. Wilson countersued, claiming Georgia is trying to “penalize Wilson for his decision to transfer.”
Davis, who is entering his junior season, started 12 of 13 games for the Cornhuskers last season. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive tackle had 32 total tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks last season. Davis earned a 64.1 defensive grade from PFF. The site gave him a 67.5 run-defense grade and a 55.7 pass-rushing grade.
Carter, like Wilson, was a UM target out of high school and was teammates with current Miami defensive lineman Mykah Newton. He played sparingly in one season at Ohio State, appearing in seven games with 51 total snaps in 2025.
Carter and Davis can potentially fill the void left by David Blay II, who is out of eligibility and is leaving UM after one season.
On the offensive line, Miami added two potential offensive guards who could compete to fill the spot left by Anez Cooper or provide depth.
Meriwether spent three seasons at Georgia, redshirting his first year, and has played in 15 games. Nearly all of his offensive 69 snaps have been at guard, but he has a frame (6-7, 305 pounds) that could lend itself to moving outside. Meriwether played both guard and tackle in high school.
Cline has more experience, but it is at the FCS level. Cline originally signed with UCF out of high school, but never played for the Knights. He transferred to East Tennessee after two years at UCF. Cline played in 12 games for ETSU. He will likely provide depth for UM.
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