By: Cameron Cocquyt
At Saturday’s media availability in Miami, it became clear that Monday’s victor will be heavily dependent on the battle in the trenches. Both the Hoosiers and the Hurricanes have a savvy, and physical front line on both sides of the ball. Here’s what you can expect from Indiana and Miami on either side of the ball.
Indiana Offensive Line vs Miami Defensive Line
Indiana Offensive Line
Led by Bob Bostad, the Hoosiers’ offensive line is a savvy, veteran group with the depth and flexibility to make changes up front based on schemes or play design. Labeled as the “Hoggies” by Fernando Mendoza, the line was named a Joe Moore Award finalist, awarded every year to the nation’s top offensive line. This elite Hoosier offensive line is led by All-American LT Carter Smith, and third team All-Big Ten C, Pat Coogan. The duo’s PFF grades and positional rankings are below:
Pat Coogan: 76.3 – 13th/307 Cs
Carter Smith: 87.5 – 4th/629 OTs
With that being said, the remainder of the line is no slouch. Returnees Bray Lynch and Drew Evans have been strong on either side of Coogan. Meanwhile, the portal additions of Kahlil Benson and Zen Michalski have proved they can be effective additions opposite of Smith. The redshirt freshman from Speedway, Adedamola Ajani, offers an intriguing option with flexibility to move across the line. The ability to rotate fresh bodies and utilization of depth has been issue for opponents of the Hoosiers so far.
Miami Defensive Line
The Hurricanes defensive line is big, fast, and physical with enough depth to keep constant pressure applied on the quarterback, while also filling gaps and causing havoc for their opponent’s rushing attack. Miami defensive end Reuben Bain Jr. is the engine behind the Hurricanes front. Bain was named the ACC defensive player of the year, and a first-team All-American: he projects as a first-round draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Opposite Bain is Akheem Mesidor, who like Bain, is expected to get drafted this off-season. According to PFF, the duo both boast a 92.5 overall grade and share the 4th overall ranking among all edge rushers in 2025.
On the interior, names like David Blay Jr., Ahmad Moten Sr., and Justin Scott stick out. All three tackles can be expected to be rotated frequently to keep them healthy. This trio is among the largest in the country. Their measurements are below:
David Blay Jr.: 6’4”, 303 lbs
Ahmad Moten Sr.: 6’3”, 325 lbs
Justin Scott: 6’4”, 298 lbs
This combination of size, speed, and power has potential to give the Hoosiers a struggle up front.
Indiana Defensive Line vs Miami Offensive Line
Indiana Defensive Line
Fighting injuries all-season, the Hoosiers have still had one of the most productive defensive lines in the country. Indiana is expected to start with Mikail Kamara and Daniel Ndukwe on the edge. In 2025, Kamara leads the Big Ten with 48 total pressures. On the opposite side, Ndukwe has emerged in his sophomore season following the season-ending injury to Stephen Daley. Last week against Oregon, Nduwke recorded two sacks and a blocked punt. Due to injuries, the depth on the edge is thin, but the Mario Landino provides the ability to go inside-out.
Meanwhile, the interior of the line is expected to be spearheaded by Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino. Tucker was named to the All-Big Ten first team, and has had a rapid ascension in his first year as a starter with the Hoosiers. Landino on the other hand, is just a sophomore but you wouldn’t know by the way he plays. He has five total sacks on the season, and also has the ability to play on the edge when his name is called. Expect Hosea Wheeler and Dominique Ratcliff to be the first off the bench, when Indiana decides to dip into their depth.
Miami Offensive Line
The Hurricanes offensive line is loaded with NFL Prospects. Starting on the right side, Francis Mauigoa has been stellar this season in anchoring the right side of the offensive line and is a project top-10 pick in this year’s draft. Opposite Mauigoa is 6’9 left tackle, Markell Bell. The junior college transfer is praised for his technique and mobility for a tackle of his size. The tackles are regarded as the strongest part of Miami’s offensive front.
On the interior, Anez Cooper is widely-regarded as the strong point. Cooper has been a standout on the right side and the senior has been a consistent factor for the Hurricanes all year. On the left side, expect to see Matthew McCoy get a majority of the action. Both starting guards are powerful, physical, and potential NFL Draft picks. At Center, James Brockermeyer is a transfer from TCU and has a plethora of college starts under his belt.
Football has always been a sport where whoever can push around their opponent more is going to be more successful. In Miami on Monday night, it is no different.