Miami nabs 6th-year transfer center to replace Matt Lee, who is heading to NFL Draft

Miami’s Mario Cristobal loves his offensive linemen.

And on Monday night, the Hurricanes’ head coach and his offensive line coach Alex Mirabal, got a much-needed one after accomplished Canes center Matt Lee previously said he was entering the NFL Draft.

Indiana transfer center Zach Carpenter announced that he will play his sixth year of college football at the University of Miami, giving the Canes program more good offensive line news after left tackle Jalen Rivers announced Monday that he would return for his fifth season in 2024.

Carpenter, 6-5 and 295 pounds, visited Miami this past weekend. He is from Cincinnati and played his high school ball at Archbishop Moeller. He joined the Indiana program as a transfer from the University of Michigan in January 2021.

Indiana finished the season ranked 68th nationally in sacks allowed, and 99th in total offense (332.8 yards a game), 80th in passing offense (212.8), 102nd in rushing (120.1) and 104th in scoring (22.2 points).

UM’s offensive line was considered among the best in the nation this past season. In addition to Lee’s departure, the Canes are losing left guard Javion Cohen to the draft.

Carpenter is UM’s third announced recent transfer. The other two: NC State defensive lineman C.J. Clark and Vanderbilt safety Savion Riley.