Miami just pulled off a massive recruiting coup, both literally and figuratively. The Hurricanes have landed one of the most physically imposing and highly sought-after offensive tackles in the 2026 class—Ben Congdon, a towering 6-foot-7, 285-pound force from Ohio.
While Congdon has yet to even suit up for his senior season of high school football, his dominance on the field has already made him a prime target for powerhouse programs. Ranked as the No. 15 overall prospect in talent-rich Ohio and the No. 29 offensive tackle nationally, per the 247Sports Composite, Congdon was a top priority for several Big Ten giants. Yet, despite heavy pursuit from Penn State, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Florida State, and Kentucky, the blue-chip lineman stunned the college football world by committing to Mario Cristobal’s Miami Hurricanes on Monday night.
The Secret Sauce Behind Miami’s Win
So, how did Miami manage to pry Congdon away from Big Ten country and lure him all the way to South Florida? It wasn’t just about the sun and palm trees—Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal went the extra mile.
They didn’t just make their pitch over Zoom or through endless phone calls—they traveled to Ohio to watch Congdon compete in wrestling matches, a move that left a lasting impression on the young lineman.
“I’ve really connected with coach Mirabal and coach Cristobal over the last few months, with me visiting them and them visiting me,” Congdon told Allen Trieu of 247Sports. “I really love the OL-based team and how well coach Mirabal develops players like me.”
For a lineman of Congdon’s caliber, development is everything, and Cristobal’s history of producing dominant offensive linemen was a major selling point. With Miami’s offensive line steadily improving under Cristobal’s guidance, Congdon saw an opportunity to be part of something special.
A Strong Start to Miami’s 2026 Class
With Congdon now in the fold, Miami’s 2026 recruiting class continues to gain momentum. His commitment marks the Hurricanes’ fourth pledge for the cycle, joining four-star linebacker Jordan Campbell, four-star cornerback Camdin Portis, and three-star cornerback Dereon Coleman.
The addition of a top-tier offensive tackle like Congdon adds serious muscle to Miami’s future trenches. And if Cristobal continues stacking talent at this rate, the Hurricanes might just be on their way to reclaiming their spot among college football’s elite.
One thing is clear: Miami isn’t just competing for top talent anymore—they’re winning. And if this trend continues, the rest of the college football world better take notice.
