SPRING Forward… TE

Miami’s spring practice continues on Friday and Saturday with practices #2 and #3.

As we prepare for the 2026 season, head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff have begun to mold the 2026 team, reestablishing the culture and evaluating the talent of this roster. After 15 spring practices, we will have a better idea of our team going into forward into summer workouts and fall camp.

In this series, CaneReports will breakdown each position group and identify potential battles on the depth chart. At this time, we will introduce players in each group alphabetically. Let them compete for a place on the depth chart.

Today, we examine the TIGHT END position.

(ALPHABETICAL)

Returning: (4) Jackson Carver, Luka Gilbert, Elija Lofton, Jack Nickel

Transfers: (0) NONE

True Freshmen: (2) Gavin Mueller, Israel Briggs

Position Battle(s):

Miami enters spring practice with two established tight ends in Luka Gilbert and Elija Lofton, with Jackson Carver and Jack Nickel providing backup. The Canes also welcome talented true freshmen, Gavin Mueller and Israel Briggs. They will need to quickly assimilate into the college atmosphere in order to provide competition as the season progresses.

BOTTOM LINE:

Miami didn’t get much productivity from their tight ends in 2025. That must change in 2026 for the Canes to compete again for championships. Can Lofton stay healthy? Can the new young bucks make an impact in 2026? The position battles will be fierce and interesting to watch.

Who will step up and spring forward?

GO CANES!