The Miami Hurricanes scored a major victory on the recruiting trail with the commitment of elite 2026 offensive lineman Joel Ervin. Hailing from Georgia, Ervin is widely regarded as one of the top offensive line prospects in the nation, and his pledge is a huge boost for Mario Cristobal’s vision of building a dominant force in the trenches.
At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, Ervin possesses the size, strength, and agility that college coaches dream about. His film shows a mauler in the run game who finishes blocks with authority, coupled with quick feet and balance in pass protection. He’s already drawing comparisons to NFL-caliber linemen, and his upside is sky-high as he continues to develop.
What sets Ervin apart isn’t just his physical tools—it’s his football IQ and relentless motor. Coaches rave about his leadership, work ethic, and coachability. He’s the type of foundational piece Miami needs to anchor future offensive lines and set the tone up front.
For Cristobal, a former offensive lineman himself, landing a premier talent like Ervin is especially significant. Miami has made it clear it wants to return to its roots of toughness and dominance in the trenches, and Ervin fits that blueprint perfectly. His commitment also helps set the tone for the 2026 class, giving the Hurricanes early momentum and a potential ripple effect among other top recruits.
Ervin chose Miami over offers from powerhouse programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State, citing the Hurricanes’ coaching staff, culture, and development pipeline as key factors in his decision.
“They really believe in me, and I believe in what they’re building,” Ervin said. “Coach Cristobal and Coach Mirabal are serious about winning championships, and I want to be a part of that.”
With Ervin on board, the Hurricanes are sending a loud message to the rest of college football: Miami is back in