The Bulldogs are losing a promising lineman to Miami
Former Georgia offensive tackle Jamal Merriweather found a new home on college football transfer portal 2026. The redshirt sophomore will continue his career in Miami after spending the first three years in Athens.
Meriweather dedicated Miami on Friday, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported. He joins the 2025 national champion runners-up with two seasons remaining.
Although Merriweather never established himself as a starter at Georgia, he appeared in 12 of 14 games in 2025. The former three-star recruit made good use of his opportunities, allowing just one pressure on 56 offensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Although listed as an offense, Merriweather was primarily used as a guard at Georgia. He lined up at left guard on 34 of his 56 snaps, per PFF.
Merriweather is one of three offensive linemen Georgia lost to the college transfer portal, joining Nyer Daniels, Kelton Smith Jr. and Bo Hughley. The Bulldogs also lost left tackle Monroe Freeling and guard Micah Morris in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Conversely, Merriweather is the first offensive lineman to commit to Miami from a college football transfer portal. Mario Cristobal hasn’t worked much in goal since the national championship game, securing just eight commits through Friday afternoon.
Barring further roster changes, Merriweather will compete with freshmen Max Buchanan and Seuseu Alofaituli, as well as sophomore Samson Okunlola, for the starting quarterback position in 2026. Matthew McCoy should return to the starting lineup, but Miami is losing Anez Cooper to the NFL Draft.
Merriweather could also compete for a starting tackle spot, which Miami will need to fill. The Hurricanes will lose both openers, Francis Mauigoa and Markelle Bell, in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mauigoa is expected to be a top-10 pick, and Bell is a Day 3 pick.
2026-01-23 23:26:00
