Hurricanes will be down a key offensive player for national title game

January 17, 2026

The Hurricanes will be missing key tight end Elija Lofton when they play Indiana in the national championship game on Monday.

The sophomore tight end was listed as out on the initial availability report, which was released on Friday night. Lofton left the semifinal victory over Ole Miss with an injury and did not return.

Other players ruled out for the game are linebacker Malik Bryant, wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw and defensive lineman Donta Simpson (who transferred to Missouri).

Lofton has played in each Miami game this season, starting four of them and playing 451 offensive snaps. Lofton has 23 catches for 218 yards and three touchdowns this year. He has a 61.3 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus with a 58.1 run-blocking grade.

Lofton is the only key UM player ruled out for the entire game. However, the Hurricanes will also be without starting cornerback Xavier Lucas for the first half after he was called for targeting against Ole Miss.

Lucas has 45 tackles with eight pass deflections and one interception this season.

Miami also listed cornerback Damari Brown and defensive lineman Cole McConathy as questionable. Brown has missed each playoff game with an injury after being a key contributor during the regular season.

Here is the complete Miami availability report:

OUT

-LB Malik Bryant

-TE Elija Lofton

-WR Daylyn Upshaw

-DL Donta Simpson

OUT (for first half)

-DB Xavier Lucas

QUESTIONABLE

-DB Damari Brown

-DL Cole McConathy

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/01/16/um-lofton-injury/

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