Elijah Arroyo Declares for 2025 NFL Draft: All-ACC Tight End Leaves Miami With Legacy of Grit, Growth, and Potential

In a year where Miami Hurricanes football once again found itself searching for consistency, one player stood tall through the turbulence — both literally and figuratively. Elijah Arroyo, the Hurricanes’ 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end, officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft after a standout senior season that earned him All-ACC honors and positioned him as one of the top tight end prospects in the nation.

Arroyo’s decision comes as no surprise to those who have followed his journey from Frisco, Texas, to Coral Gables. Despite battling injuries early in his collegiate career and navigating the chaos of Miami’s coaching turnover, Arroyo’s steady rise has been a testament to both perseverance and untapped upside. His blend of size, athleticism, blocking grit, and route-running nuance makes him an intriguing name for NFL scouts — especially in an era where the tight end position continues to evolve as a hybrid weapon.

As he turns the page to the next chapter, Arroyo leaves behind a Miami program still finding its footing — but his emergence offers hope that The U can still develop elite talent even in uncertain times.

From Lone Star to South Beach: Arroyo’s Journey to Coral Gables

Elijah Arroyo arrived at Miami as a four-star prospect in the class of 2021, a coveted recruit out of Independence High School in Frisco. A matchup nightmare at the prep level, Arroyo racked up over 1,000 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in his final two seasons, showcasing soft hands and the ability to separate from linebackers with ease.

He chose Miami over Texas, Oklahoma, and LSU, drawn by the Hurricanes’ reputation as “Tight End U” — a lineage that includes NFL stars like Greg Olsen, David Njoku, Chris Herndon, Brevin Jordan, and Jeremy Shockey. The opportunity to follow in those footsteps — and play early in an up-tempo offense — made the decision feel right.

However, Arroyo’s path to prominence wasn’t without bumps.

Battling Injuries, Building Resilience

The first two years of Arroyo’s college career were a mixed bag. He flashed elite potential as a true freshman, often appearing in two-tight end sets with Will Mallory. But just as he seemed poised to break out, injuries began to sideline his rise.

A lower-body injury in 2022 limited him to just four games. He rehabbed relentlessly and came back stronger, but re-aggravated the same injury in 2023, raising doubts about whether he’d ever stay healthy enough to fulfill his potential.

To his credit, Arroyo didn’t flinch. He transformed his body during the offseason, adding lean muscle while improving mobility. More importantly, he refined the technical aspects of his game — sharpening his routes, tightening his blocking angles, and studying film with relentless intensity.

That work paid off in 2024, when he finally delivered the breakout season Hurricanes fans had been waiting for.

All-ACC Honors in a Career Year

Arroyo’s senior season was nothing short of a revelation. He posted 53 receptions for 672 yards and 6 touchdowns — all career highs — while becoming a reliable red zone target and third-down safety valve. His chemistry with quarterback Emory Williams stood out, especially on seam routes and play-action rollouts.

Arroyo finished the season ranked No. 3 among ACC tight ends in receptions and No. 2 in receiving yards, trailing only Clemson’s Jake Briningstool. His blocking was equally impressive — he routinely helped seal edges in Miami’s rushing attack, earning praise from NFL evaluators for his willingness to do the dirty work.

Despite Miami’s 7-5 finish, Arroyo was a bright spot in a frustrating year. His selection to the All-ACC First Team marked the program’s first tight end to receive that honor since David Njoku in 2016.

NFL Draft Profile: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Comparisons

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Arroyo has cemented himself as a likely Day 2 pick, with a ceiling that could push him into the late first round depending on team needs and testing numbers.

Strengths:

• Size and Frame: At 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, Arroyo has prototypical NFL tight end dimensions. He’s lean enough to be a threat in space but strong enough to handle blocking responsibilities.

• Athleticism: A fluid runner with underrated burst off the line, Arroyo can stretch defenses vertically and is especially dangerous on crossing routes and seam patterns.

• Hands and Catch Radius: Arroyo rarely drops passes and shows natural hands in traffic. His wingspan allows him to win 50-50 balls and out-reach defenders.

• Blocking Technique: While not a mauler, he’s assignment-sound and holds his own against edge rushers — a must in today’s NFL.

• Football IQ: A film junkie who understands route concepts, spacing, and defensive coverages. He knows how to find soft spots in zone and break off routes when necessary.

Areas for Improvement:

• Top-End Speed: He’s not Kyle Pitts or Darren Waller in the open field. He wins more with savvy than elite speed, which could limit his separation against NFL safeties.

• Injury History: Durability will be a red flag for some teams. Two years of setbacks could raise concerns, even if 2024 proved he’s capable of staying on the field.

• YAC Ability: While he’s tough after the catch, Arroyo isn’t the type of tight end who routinely breaks tackles or makes defenders miss in the open field.

NFL Comparison: A popular comp among scouts is Hunter Henry — a reliable, smart, pass-catching tight end who can contribute immediately in both phases. Others see flashes of Dallas Goedert, especially in his body control and red zone production.

Scouting Buzz: What NFL Evaluators Are Saying

“If you want a do-it-all tight end who isn’t flashy but checks every box, Elijah’s your guy. He reminds me of the tight ends from the early 2010s who stuck around for 10 years in the league.” – AFC South scout

“His game translates because he doesn’t rely on gimmicks. He’s tough, coachable, and pro-ready.” – NFC East personnel director

“Durability is the only question. But if he stays healthy, he’ll start in the NFL for a long time.” – ESPN draft analyst

Legacy at Miami

In an era where players often transfer at the first sign of adversity, Arroyo’s decision to stay at Miami and grind through injuries says a lot about his character.

He could’ve left. Many did. But Arroyo stuck with the Hurricanes through multiple offensive coordinators, scheme changes, and quarterback rotations. In the process, he became a locker room leader — someone younger players turned to for guidance and example.

His All-ACC nod was more than an individual accolade. It was a reward for resilience, patience, and growth.

“I owe everything to this program,” Arroyo said during his draft declaration. “It challenged me, it humbled me, and it made me better. I’ll always be a Cane.”

What This Means for Miami Football

Arroyo’s departure leaves a hole in Miami’s offense, particularly at a position historically central to the team’s identity. The Hurricanes have young talent waiting in the wings — including Riley Williams and Jackson Carver — but neither has the experience or polish Arroyo brought to the table.

Head coach Mario Cristobal will likely hit the transfer portal hard in search of a veteran tight end to bridge the gap, but replacing Arroyo’s leadership may be harder than replacing his production.

It also signals the end of an era. Arroyo was among the last remaining players from the pre-Cristobal regime. As the roster continues to turn over, the program will look to build around younger talent — many of whom saw firsthand what it takes to become an NFL prospect at The U.

A Tight End Class to Watch

The 2025 tight end class is shaping up to be deep, but not necessarily top-heavy. Arroyo projects as one of the top five prospects at his position, alongside:

• Jake Briningstool (Clemson)

• Brock Bowers (Georgia) – if he declares after eligibility ruling

• Bryson Nesbit (North Carolina)

• Caden Prieskorn (Ole Miss)

Depending on Combine performance and team fit, Arroyo could leapfrog several of those names on draft boards.

Outlook for the NFL

The teams that could be most interested in Arroyo include:

• Cincinnati Bengals: With Irv Smith Jr. struggling to stay healthy, Arroyo could step in as a reliable safety valve for Joe Burrow.

• Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love needs a trusted tight end, and Arroyo’s all-around skill set would thrive in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

• Dallas Cowboys: A homecoming of sorts? With Jake Ferguson solid but unspectacular, the Cowboys could add another weapon to their passing attack.

• Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay’s system relies on tight ends who can do a bit of everything — Arroyo fits the mold.

Elijah Arroyo didn’t take the easy road to the NFL — and that may be what sets him apart in a league full of raw potential and empty promises. He learned how to battle, how to lead, and how to grow in one of the most unstable environments in college football. And he did it all with humility and purpose.

As he prepares for the NFL Draft, teams won’t just be getting a skilled tight end. They’ll be getting a professional. A worker. A survivor.

And for Miami? They’ll be watching one of their own — a Hurricane through and through — take the next step, reminding the football world that The U still produces Sunday talent when it counts.