Miami Tight End Returns for Ninth Season of College Football

Miami Hurricanes’ tight end Anthony McCormick has announced that he will be returning for his ninth season of college football. This makes him the first player in history to have such a long eligibility, according to several reports. McCormick, who referred to 2024 as his ‘last ride’ on social media, began his collegiate career at Oregon in 2016. However, a series of season-ending injuries caused him to miss significant playing time in the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons.

McCormick, aged 25, will turn 26 in April. He was part of the same high school recruiting class as NFL stars Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert, and Nick Bosa. McCormick’s college career started in 2016, but his path was plagued by injuries. He redshirted his first season before appearing in all 13 games as a reserve in 2017. However, his 2018 season ended abruptly due to a broken left ankle. This injury, along with complications, subsequently kept him sidelined for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. In the 2021 season, he tore his right Achilles tendon, bringing his season to an end once again.

Before his last game with the Ducks, McCormick applied for an eighth and ninth year of eligibility, which were approved by the NCAA. It’s worth noting that McCormick’s journey hasn’t been without adversity. In 2016, he and two fellow Oregon players suffered from rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins and electrolytes into the blood. This incident led him to redshirt that season due to the severity of the condition.

Despite the challenges he has faced, McCormick has persevered and is determined to make the most of his time on the field. He caught eight passes for 62 yards in the 2021 season, appearing in all 13 games and starting in eight of them under the guidance of coach Mario Cristobal, whom he also played for at Oregon. McCormick’s decision to return for his ninth season of eligibility is undoubtedly a testament to his passion for the game and unwavering dedication.