Baker's Dozen

ljm623
Oct 15
5 min read

October 16, 2025

In less than 60 days, Miami will ink their 2026 recruiting class.

In recent weeks, the Canes’ recruiting momentum has leaped. Miami’s class currently has 24 verbal commitments, ranking #12 nationally and #1 in the ACC.

Head coach Mario Critical and his elite staff are not satisfied. Many feel Miami’s stretch drive on the recruiting trail will follow the team’s success on the field, resulting in a top five recruiting finish.

What’s the path for the Canes to reach that elite level in talent acquisition?

First, Miami must run the table on the remaining schedule to gain a spot in the ACC Championship game.

If the Canes win their first ACC Championship, we expect Miami to reap the rewards on the recruiting trail.

Here is our “Baker’s Dozen” (13), very talented recruiting targets still active on Miami’s board.

WR Calvin Russell (Syracuse commit)

Hometown: Miami, FL School: Northwestern

Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Syracuse commit

Summary: Multi-sport athlete (basketball and track & field). "Gifted athlete with chance to be special on Saturdays and potentially even Sundays with his tools. Viewed as one of the top overall offensive talents."

RB Derrek Cooper (Texas commit)

Hometown: Hollywood, FL School: Chaminade-Madonna

Status: COMMITTED. | Top Tier: Texas commit

Summary: Will attend ND-Miami game | commitment on July 20th | OV - May 30-June 1 Multple UOV to Miami | Elite two-way player | In 2024, 905 yards (9.3 YPC), 13 TDs, 9 pass recep for 156 yards and a TD.

DB Justice Fitzpatrick (Georgia commit)

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL School: St. Thomas Aquinas

Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: UGA commit

OV: 6/6/25 | UOV: 9/9/23

Summary: Versatile, can play safety or corner | Multi-sport athlete (track); 11.00 (2.6) in the 100, 22.06 (1.2) in the 200 and 53.63 in the 400. | 2023: 13 tackles, 2 INT and 2 PBU | Long relationship with Cristobal

EDG Anthony “Tank” Jones (Oregon commit)

Hometown: Mobile, AL School: St. Paul's Episcopal

Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Oregon commit

OV: 5/30/25 UOV: ---

Summary: 2024: 84 tackles, 18 TFL, and 16 sacks | 247Sports - "...elite get-off, can dip and bend and has great closing speed. Has the athleticism to chase down plays from behind and shows a crazy motor. Natural pass rusher at an early age and knows how to use his hands and can win with multiple counters... ceiling is extremely high and if he stays healthy and continues to develop at his current rate, there’s no reason why he won’t be playing on Sunday.

DL Bryce Perry-Wright (Texas A&M commit)

Hometown: Buford, GA School: Buford

Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Texas A&M commit

OV: 6/6/25 UOV: 4/5/25

Summary: Project at DT at next level | Will need to put on mass to be ready for college level. | In 2023, registered 51 tackles (9 TFL), 13 QBH and 7.5 sacks.

S Blake Stewart (Clemson commit)

Hometown: Atlanta, GA School: Woodward Academy

Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Clemson

OV 6/13 | UOV 3/3, 4/10

Summary: 2024 - 80 tackles (4 TFL), 8 PBU and 2 INT on defense while catching 38 passes for 467 yards (12.3 YPC) and 3 TD on offense. Also had 1 KORTD and 1 PRTD on special teams.

DL Nolan Wilson (Alabama commit)

Hometown: Picayune, MS School: Picayune Memorial

Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Alabama

OV: 6/20/25 UOV: 4/3/25

Summary: "Long and nimble defensive end that flashes a high level of untapped athleticism off the edge as a pass rusher...Projects as an above average to good starter at the Power Four level that will more than likely need one to two years to develop both from a physical and technical standpoint before making a significant impact on Saturdays." - (247Sports)

WR Milan Parris

Hometown: Stow, OH School: Walsh Jesuit

Status: UNCOMMITTED | Top Tier: Miami, Oklahoma, Oregon, Auburn

OV: 10/25/25 UOV: ---

Summary: Recently de-committed from Iowa State. | Jumbo outside receiver with elite catch radius and 6'-9" wing span. Excellent body control and size/speed combination in 2026 class. | Could move to tight end if he gains mass at the next level. | 2024: Caught 28 passes (21.3 YPR) for 597 yards and 9 TD.

LB Karsten Busch (Louisville commit)

ATH Lekhy Thompkins (Louisville commit)

Hometown: Bradenton, FL School: IMG Academy

Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Louisville commit

OV: UOV: 8/31/25

Summary: Originally from Jackson, Tenn. | Miami recruiting as JUMBO DL | Will attend ND-Miami game | 2024: 45 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 4 QB hurries, 3 PBUs, and 2 sacks; rushed for 892 yards and 10 TD on 155 carries and caught 20 passes for 342 yards and 3 TD. | Multi-sport athlete (football, track ,basketball)

EDG DeAnthony Lafayette (LSU commit)

Hometown: Orlando, FL School: Lake Nona

Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: LSU commit

OV: 5/30/25 UOV: ---

Summary: Potential impact rotational rusher that can win with speed and force. Broke out in 2024: 73 TKL, 23.5 TFL, 17.5 SCK, 3 PBU, 2 FF, 1 INT

DT Logan Nagle (Pitt commit)

Hometown: Wayne, NJ School: DePaul Catholic

Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Pitt commit

OV: UOV:

Summary: Big DT with a mean streak. In 2025 (3 games) 20 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks

TE Luke Brewer

Hometown: Norwalk, IA School: Norwalk

Status: UNCOMMITTED | Top Tier: Tennessee, Miami, Iowa State, Iowa

OV: UOV: (3)

Summary: Reclassified from 2027 class

S Jamar Owens (Indiana commit)

Hometown: Douglasville, GA School: Douglas County

Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Indiana commit

OV: UOV:

Summary: Miami offered in January. | Standout at OT7 Finals in Fort Lauderdale in July | former teammate of Miami commits S Cortez Redding and CB Jontavius Wyman at Jonesboro.

BOTTOM LINE:

Miami is in an excellent position to finish 2026 recruiting very strong, although it’s doubtful they will land all of the above targets. However, we could see 6-9 wearing the orange and green in 2026.

GO CANES!

Baker's Dozen

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