The Miami Hurricanes are looking for a breakout year with quarterback Carson Beck leading the offense. He’ll need good receivers to further the team’s cause and college football analyst Josh Pate believes that tight end Elija Lofton could be that person.
According to Pate, Lofton could emerge as one of Miami’s most reliable football players in 2025. Pate said on his podcast:
“The breakout player though I got is Elijah Lofton, tight end… He may be one of the best pure football players on Miami’s team. I mean, he’s got maximum buy-in from the coaching staff. They love him. He’s a versatile guy and I think he could have a nice solid to breakout year this year for Miami.” (3:18)
Lofton, listed at 6′3″ and 230 lbs, arrived in Coral Gables in 2024. He played all 13 games in his freshman season and had nine receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown.
According to 247Sports, Lofton has earned the trust of Miami’s staff early, suggesting he could see significant reps in both pass and run schemes.
Insider Sees Carson Beck, Names TE Elija Lofton as Key Offensive Complement
After playing for the Georgia Bulldogs since the 2021 season, Carson Beck transferred to the Miami Hurricanes for her final college season. He suffered an injury to his right elbow during the SEC championship against the Texas Longhorns. After briefly putting his name in the 2025 NFL draft, he pulled back and made a move to join Miami, who needed someone to fill 2025 first overall pick Cam Ward’s shoes.
Beck is named among the top returning quarterbacks in college football by PFF and part of ESPN’s elite list of signal-callers. He threw for 3,485 yards, 28 touchdowns and led Georgia to a 24-3 record during his two-year stint as a starter.
Following his offseason surgery, Beck has been cleared to fully participate in Miami’s fall camp as he’s trying to work with South Beach’s new offense under OC Shannon Dawson.
One of his best weapons on offense could be Elija Lofton. The star receiver was praised by Sports Illustrated as “Miami’s next freak tight end.”
Even head coach Mario Cristobal spoke highly of Lofton and what he brings to the team.
“He gets a lot of touches in practice,” the head coach said at Media Days. “We have really good tight ends, and we’re getting the ball spread out a little bit. Is he trusted? 100%. That guy’s one of the best freshman football players I’ve ever been around.
“Comes from an awesome program, Bishop Gorman, coached the right way, raised the right way. His mom is an incredible person. What you get from him is just a very diligent, professional approach to the game. He’s in every package we have. And you’ll continue to see more and more of him.”
It remains to be seen if the chemistry between Carson Beck and Lofton brings wins to Miami so that they can qualify for the 12-team College Football Playoff Field.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
