Miami Hurricanes Add Powerful Lineman to the 2025 Class

© Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Hurricanes got their third commitment of July when they added offensive lineman SJ Alofaituli to the program. Alofaituli becomes the 17th commitment and fifth lineman the Hurricanes add to the 2025 recruiting class in a busy signing period.

Who Is SJ Alofaituli

Rated as a consensus four-star recruit from Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas, he comes in at 6-foot-3 and 280 pounds. Where he is versatile enough to play anywhere along the offensive line, he will likely move toward an interior role, either guard or center, for the Hurricanes.

Alofaituli is a disciplined technician on the line. He packs a powerful punch when engaging defenders and plays with a nasty demeanor. He looks for contact and is agile to finish his initial block and move to the second level to engage linebackers. He shows great footwork and balance when engaging and rarely gets beaten by defenders. He is a mauler in for the run and a wall in pass protection.

While his ceiling may not be as high as other prospects, with his approach to blocking, he has the highest floor and should be the most ready to step in on day one for the Hurricanes along the offensive line. Alofaituli chose the Hurricanes over Nebraska, Michigan, Texas A&M and USC. He's also rated as the top interior offensive lineman in the 2025 class (per rivals.com).

Impact on the Hurricanes

For the Hurricanes, his commitment also gives the Hurricanes and coach Mario Cristobal, five commitments for the offensive line in the recruiting class. A definite indication that the Hurricanes are looking to get top-quality players to protect the quarterback and open running lanes.

With the Hurricanes potentially losing five linemen to graduation and the NFL Draft, emphasizing recruiting high-caliber linemen like Alofaituli makes sense. The Hurricanes have added nine commitments of their 17 on the offensive side of the ball so far for the 2025 recruiting class.

In a potentially make-or-break season for Cristobal and his staff, the 2025 class is shaping up to be one of his best efforts. The commitment also vaults the Hurricanes to 11th in the nation, making them the third-best in the Atlantic Coast Conference.