Miami added a key piece to its 2026 recruiting class on Monday with the commitment of four-star offensive tackle Ben Congdon. The talented lineman from Tuscarawas Valley High School in Mineral City, Ohio, chose the Hurricanes over a host of other programs, becoming the first offensive lineman in Miami’s 2026 class and the fourth overall commitment for head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff.
A Big Get for Miami
Congdon is considered one of the top offensive tackles in the country for the 2026 cycle. According to recruiting rankings, he is rated as the No. 318 overall prospect nationally, the No. 25 offensive tackle, and the No. 17 player in Ohio. His commitment strengthens Miami’s recruiting footprint in the Midwest, a region where the Hurricanes have been working to gain a stronger presence in recent years.
With Congdon now on board, Miami’s 2026 recruiting class is ranked No. 12 in the country and No. 1 in the ACC, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. The Hurricanes continue to build a strong foundation under Cristobal, who has emphasized recruiting elite talent in the trenches since taking over in December 2021.
Winning a Competitive Recruiting Battle
Landing Congdon was no easy feat for Miami, as several other major programs were in contention for his commitment. The 6-foot-7, 285-pound lineman held offers from Penn State, Indiana, Ohio State, Florida, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Maryland—several of which he had previously visited.
Congdon had been a frequent visitor to Miami throughout his recruitment, taking unofficial visits last June, in January, and most recently this past weekend. Originally, he had additional visits scheduled for Penn State on June 6 and Miami on June 20, but after seeing the Hurricanes’ first day of spring practice, he decided to shut down his recruitment and commit.
Why Congdon Chose Miami
According to Inside the U‘s Gaby Urrutia, Congdon was impressed by the way head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal develop offensive linemen. Under their leadership, Miami has prioritized building a dominant front, and Congdon believes their coaching style aligns with his development goals.
247Sports analyst Allen Trieu noted that Miami’s ability to go into Ohio and win a recruiting battle for a high-level lineman is significant, further proving that Cristobal’s program is expanding its recruiting reach beyond traditional territories.
Miami’s Recruiting Success Under Cristobal
Since Cristobal’s arrival, Miami has consistently been one of the top recruiting programs in the nation. The Hurricanes have signed a top-15 class in each of his first four cycles, including top-10 classes in 2022 and 2023. The 2025 class currently ranks No. 13 in the On3 rankings, and Miami appears to be building another strong group for 2026.
Congdon joins a growing list of commitments in the 2026 class, including four-star linebacker Jordan Campbell, four-star quarterback Dereon Coleman, and four-star cornerback Camdin Portis. With official visits set to begin in late May, Miami is expected to continue adding key recruits to this already promising class.
What’s Next for Miami?
With Congdon now in the fold, Miami will likely continue to prioritize offensive line recruiting while also focusing on other key positions. The Hurricanes have already built a strong foundation for 2026, and the addition of a highly regarded lineman like Congdon only strengthens their ability to compete at the highest level.
As the 2026 recruiting cycle progresses, Miami fans can expect Cristobal and his staff to remain aggressive in pursuing top talent. If history is any indication, this commitment could be the beginning of another strong recruiting push for the Hurricanes heading into the summer.
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