The Miami Hurricanes came within a whisker of winning the program’s first national championship in almost a quarter of a century back in January.

Able to pull off last minute drives to secure quarterfinal and semifinal wins against Ohio State and Ole Miss, respectively, they could not find one final drive against the Indiana Hoosiers on their home field, as Carson Beck was picked off near the goal line with seconds remaining to secure a 27-21 win and the national title.

Can they take that final step this season? It won’t be easy, as the Hurricanes will have to find contributions from a number of new faces. The losses of four of five offensive line starters, including first round pick Francis Mauigoa, leave big shoes to fill. Edge rushers Rueben Bain, Jr. and Akheem Mesidor were both drafted in the first round. Beck, Markel Bell, and Jakobe Thomas were also second day picks.

Fortunately, Miami has plenty of talent coming in to help compensate. QB Darian Mensah could be special, and his favorite target at Duke in Cooper Barkate will add another element to the passing game. EDGE Damon Wilson II could make himself a first rounder. DB Omar Thornton has the look of the secondary’s new enforcer.

But it’s the crown jewel of Miami’s 2026 recruiting class who ESPN ACC writer Andrea Adelson has tabbed as the biggest question mark for the 2026 season for the Canes. ESPN put out a lingering question for each team, and five-star OT Jackson Cantwell’s ability to anchor the line is the one Adelson chose.

Jackson Cantwell taking over at left tackle named biggest lingering question for Miami by ESPN’s Andrea Adelson

“Miami feels good about the talent across its roster, but there are a few questions to answer headed into fall camp,” Adelson wrote. “First and foremost, has highly touted true freshman Jackson Cantwell solidified the starting left tackle spot? He is projected to start there, but that was not a done deal after spring ball.”

It’s rarely idea to have a true freshman take over at a crucial roster position like left tackle. But Cantwell is not just any true freshman. The 6-7, 320-pound lineman has power you rarely see from an 18-year old. He can close grip bench press 475 pounds. He is a state champion shot putter. And on the field, he left coaches in awe the way that Michael Oher did in the movie “The Blind Side”.

The early returns this offseason have been positive for Cantwell, and while it might take a little bit of time for him to settle in, it’s a good bet he’ll do it sooner than later. If the Canes make another playoff run, Cantwell will almost surely proven to have been an important part of it.