Miami will kick off the 2024 season by facing their in-state rival Florida in Gainesville on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
As the fall approaches, Mario Cristobal’s program is in a strong position to potentially secure a third consecutive top-ten recruiting class. Currently, the Hurricanes have commitments from 22 prospects, placing them at No. 11 nationally. However, Miami still has a lot to achieve on the recruiting trail this cycle, including flipping some key targets.
Several uncommitted prospects remain in play, and we’ll review the current status of those recruitments.
To revisit the board, here are ten names to keep an eye on as the Hurricanes enter the fall:
DL Elijah Griffin
There’s no doubt that five-star defensive lineman Elijah Griffin is Miami’s top target for this recruiting class. While Georgia will be a formidable competitor for the Peach State standout, the Hurricanes have devoted considerable effort to recruiting the nation’s top-ranked player at the position.
With a decision expected in December, Miami plans to steadily pursue Griffin, aiming to make a strong push for the elite defensive lineman as the process unfolds. Success on the field this fall will be crucial for Miami, as it could keep the door open to landing a player of Griffin’s caliber.
CB DJ Pickett (LSU commit)
Five-star cornerback DJ Pickett has been closely connected with Miami throughout his recruitment. This summer, the Tampa native listed Miami as one of his top three contenders as he narrowed down his options.
The Hurricanes have built strong relationships with Pickett and his family, and it’s a bonus that his cousin, defensive end Booker Pickett Jr., is already on the Miami roster. Pickett is expected to attend the Miami vs. Florida season opener in Gainesville on Saturday, which could be an opportunity for the Hurricanes to demonstrate that he doesn’t have to venture far from home for college.
CB Ben Hanks Jr. (Florida commit)
The Hurricanes already have a strong defensive back class, but there’s always room for a player like Ben Hanks Jr.
The Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington standout recently committed to the Florida Gators, but the hometown Hurricanes aren’t giving up on keeping the talented cornerback close to home. Even in the week leading up to his commitment, Hanks and his camp were in communication with Miami, and that dialogue is expected to continue. Hanks brings sub-4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash and impressive length at 6-foot-1, making him a valuable prospect.
WR Jaime Ffrench
All indications suggest that five-star wide receiver Jaime Ffrench will choose Texas on Friday when he announces his commitment live on the 247Sports YouTube channel. Despite this, Ffrench remains an uncommitted prospect that the Hurricanes highly covet and plan to continue recruiting throughout the process. LSU is also a strong contender for the Jacksonville native.
WR Dallas Wilson (Oregon commit)
Throughout this recruiting cycle, Dallas Wilson has been a priority wide receiver for the Hurricanes. Miami made a strong impression by getting the Oregon commit on campus multiple times this year, starting with his first visit in January, followed by a spring practice visit, and an official visit during the summer.
Despite this, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound wideout reaffirmed his commitment to the Ducks over the summer. However, that hasn’t deterred the Hurricanes from continuing to pursue the Tampa native. Wilson is expected to attend Miami’s game against Florida this weekend, giving the program its first chance to showcase their revamped offense in front of one of their top offensive targets.
WR Vernell Brown III (Florida commit)
Florida secured a commitment from their legacy prospect, Vernell Brown, over the summer, which came as no surprise. Miami, however, has been playing the long game with Brown since offering him during a 7-on-7 event on campus in the summer of 2023. The Hurricanes hosted him for an official visit this summer and are hoping to find an opening this fall to flip his commitment.
A lot would need to go Miami’s way for that to happen, starting with a win at The Swamp this weekend. Meanwhile, the road ahead will only get tougher for Billy Napier and his staff, as they face college football’s most challenging schedule.
WR Tyler Williams (Georgia commit)
When it comes to wide receivers Miami is trying to flip, Tyler Williams seems to have the most momentum. A big-play threat on the outside with a strong knack for the return game, Williams recently made it clear that Miami is still very much on his radar.
Flipping a pass catcher from one of college football’s top programs is a daunting challenge, but if Miami can demonstrate this fall that they’re a serious contender on the field, their offensive system could be enticing to a player like Williams. The relationships are already in place; it’s now about finding a way to close the gap and bring him on board.
WR Josh Moore (Florida commit)
Yes, another wide receiver is on Miami’s radar. With only one wide receiver committed so far, the Hurricanes are looking to add a few more to the class this cycle. Josh Moore is a prospect Miami has been monitoring for a while. Although he committed to Florida over Florida State and Miami this summer, he plans to visit both the Seminoles and Hurricanes this fall as he continues his recruitment.
At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Moore is an athletic outside receiver who excels in contested catches and has the ability to stretch the field, making him a valuable target for Miami.
DL Derry Norris (Georgia Tech commit)
Miami missed out on Port Orange (Fla.) Spruce Creek defensive lineman Derry Norris when he committed to Georgia Tech this summer. However, the Hurricanes have continued to pursue him, especially after reviewing his early senior season tape. In his first game this fall, the 6-foot-3, 265-pounder recorded six tackles for loss in a decisive win.
Norris is known for his quick and explosive burst off the line and could be a disruptive force on the interior at the next level. Miami is eager to potentially add him to their class alongside Mykah Newton and Donta Simpson.
LB Kellen Wiley
Kellen Wiley has made a strong impression, particularly with his performance in his first game for Seffner (Fla.) Armwood against a talented Miami (Fla.) Norland team. The 6-foot-4, 228-pound linebacker was a dominant force, showcasing his ability to disrupt the run game and move effectively in space.
Wiley’s versatility means he could potentially play off the edge or continue to excel as a traditional linebacker. The Hurricanes have three linebackers committed but are keen to add Wiley to their class if possible. Louisville has also recently extended an offer to him.
After two weeks, Wiley has racked up 22 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception returned for a touchdown.
