Belmont Cameli’s Breakout Summer: How the “Off Campus” Star Became BookTok’s New Hockey Heartthrob

Belmont Cameli is ready to make a splash this summer as Garrett Graham, the cocky hockey star with a sensitive side in “Off Campus.” In real life, Cameli is soft-spoken with leading-man smolder for days and some strong opinions about the state of yearning: “People can conflate yearning with neediness.”

At 28 years old, the Illinois native has quietly built a solid résumé before exploding into the spotlight with Prime Video’s adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s beloved Off Campus series. The show, which premiered on May 13, 2026, dropped all eight episodes of Season 1 to instant buzz, earning high critic scores (around 94% on Rotten Tomatoes) and massive BookTok love. Cameli’s portrayal of Garrett Graham — the womanizing Briar University hockey captain who enters a fake-dating pact that turns deeply real — has fans swooning and his Instagram follower count surging past one million in days.

Born February 28, 1998, in Naperville, Illinois, Cameli grew up in a sports-oriented household. He played multiple sports in high school, including basketball, which later helped with athletic roles. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Illinois as a business major. Life took a sharp turn when his father died unexpectedly during his first semester. The loss prompted deep self-reflection, leading Cameli to drop out after one year to chase acting and filmmaking dreams.

 

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He spent time modeling to pay the bills before moving to Los Angeles in 2019. His acting debut came with a guest spot on Empire in 2018. Breakthrough recognition arrived with the Peacock reboot of Saved by the Bell (2020–2021), where he played Jamie Spano, the athletic son of Elizabeth Berkley’s Jessie Spano. The role showcased his charm and comedic timing. In 2022, he appeared as Eli in Netflix’s Along for the Ride, a coming-of-age romance that highlighted his ability to convey quiet emotional depth.

Subsequent credits include Based on a True Story (2023), the horror film Until Dawn (2025) as Abe, and The Alto Knights (2025) alongside Robert De Niro. These roles built his range from teen heartthrob to more dramatic territory, preparing him for the layered demands of Garrett Graham.

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In Off Campus, Garrett Graham is the star center and captain of Briar University’s hockey team. The son of a former NHL player, he carries immense pressure, masking vulnerabilities with cocky bravado and casual hookups. When he needs to pass a philosophy class to stay eligible, he strikes a deal with music major Hannah Wells (Ella Bright): fake date to help each other with their romantic and academic goals. What begins as transactional ignites into genuine connection filled with tension, growth, and steamy chemistry.

Cameli brought authenticity to the role. He had never played hockey before, so the cast underwent intensive training camp with NHL stunt doubles. His basketball background helped with coordination, but skating proved challenging. On-screen, he nails the physicality — powerful on the ice, commanding in the locker room — while delivering the sensitive undercurrents that make Garrett more than a typical jock archetype.

Cameli has spoken openly about connecting with Garrett’s anger. “I was such an angry kid,” he shared in interviews, noting how the character’s emotional journey mirrored personal experiences with loss and pressure. He appreciated the adaptation’s changes from the books, including nuanced handling of heavier themes like family expectations and personal growth.

One of the most discussed aspects is the chemistry with co-star Ella Bright. Their scenes crackle with tension — from quiet library moments to intense confrontations and passionate encounters. Cameli revealed pride in getting a particularly steamy scene “right,” emphasizing trust and preparation with his co-star. Fans and critics praise how the pair captures the addictive push-pull of enemies-to-lovers romance.

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Off-screen, Belmont Cameli presents a stark contrast to Garrett’s larger-than-life persona. At approximately 6’1”–6’5” (reports vary slightly, but he towers convincingly on screen), with curly dark hair and piercing eyes, he possesses undeniable leading-man appeal. Yet friends and interviewers describe him as soft-spoken, thoughtful, and somewhat introverted. His Instagram bio playfully reads: “Poet. Vigilante. Meatball Connoisseur. 🎪” — hinting at a creative, whimsical side.

He’s vocal about emotional intelligence in relationships. His comment on yearning — distinguishing it from neediness — reflects a mature perspective on modern romance that resonates with audiences tired of toxic tropes. In press tours, he discusses how playing Garrett helped him explore emotions he suppressed growing up, turning the role into personal therapy.

Cameli values privacy but shares glimpses of life in LA, friendships with castmates, and appreciation for the BookTok community that championed the project. His rapid rise post-premiere surprised even him; he auditioned in Vancouver while isolating to focus fully on the role, feeling a strong connection to Garrett from the start.

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Off Campus taps into the booming popularity of hockey romances, following trends set by books and shows like The Deal’s source material. It blends sports drama, college life, witty banter, and heartfelt moments with a killer soundtrack and unapologetic steaminess. Early reviews highlight its charm, chemistry, and respectful handling of source material while making smart adaptations for television.

Season 2 was renewed before Season 1 even aired, signaling strong confidence. Filming is expected to dive deeper into supporting characters like Dean and Allie while continuing Garrett and Hannah’s story. For Cameli, this marks a potential franchise-defining role, opening doors to bigger projects in romance, drama, and action.

As summer 2026 heats up, Belmont Cameli stands at the cusp of stardom. He embodies the modern heartthrob: physically imposing yet emotionally attuned, cocky on screen but humble in person. In an era hungry for nuanced male leads who can skate, smolder, and bare their souls, Cameli delivers. Whether quoting poetry, mastering meatballs, or melting hearts as Garrett Graham, he’s proving that true yearning — the healthy kind — makes the best stories.

Either you’re a longtime BookTok fan or discovering the Off Campus world through the series, Belmont Cameli’s performance is the real deal. Stream it on Prime Video and watch the splash he’s making.