Luis Cristobal: University of Miami football's new starting left guard

As the offseason narratives and rumors begin to swirl, here’s the latest scoop.

Reports from the first three days of spring practice indicate that Luis Cristobal has claimed the starting left guard position, with Samson 'Pancake' Okunlola serving as his backup. Cristobal previously started at this position in Miami’s last game, albeit on a depleted line, and it seems that no one has surpassed him on the depth chart since. The Miami Hurricanes fanbase is split on this development, with emotions running high.

Miami Hurricanes super fan and influencer, Big Homie, sparked a movement by making Luis Cristobal as his profile picture on the social media platform X. Some fans are looking into purchasing his #52 jersey, although it’s not available for sale on Miami’s official site. Custom orders may be the only option.

However, other fans are questioning Cristobal's suitability for the role. How can he anchor the "great wall of Mirabel" when Miami’s roster is brimming with behemoths, as Mario affectionately calls them—players who stand 6’5” tall and weigh over 330 pounds?

Cristobal, listed at 6 feet and 274 pounds, doesn’t fit that mold. The Miami football program added Georgia State offensive lineman Luis Cristobal to the roster last year. He's the son of former Miami OL Luis Sr. and nephew of Hurricanes’ head coach Mario Cristobal. He started 5 games at Georgia State in his final season at left guard.

MY TAKE: Unless notified otherwise, Luis Cristobal remains Miami's starting left guard. Could someone else step up and take his place? Absolutely. Personally, I’d prefer Pancake for trolling purposes, but if Cristobal lines up as the starting left guard in Gainesville, expect an uproar, even when we secure the win.