nextWAVE: ’26 Mock Class (final)

December 1, 2025

With only days before the start of the Early Signing Period, Miami is pushing hard for a very strong finish on the 2026 recruiting trial.

The CaneReports will publish a monthly roster of who we feel Miami will land in the 2026 recruiting class. We have published the latest projection each month.

To date, Miami has offered 423 non-binding verbal scholarship offers. It’s now time for final decisions from prospects. Over the next two days, we expect the Canes’ class to round out for this cycle as Miami makes their final push to national signing day on Wednesday.

The Canes’ 2026 recruiting class currently stands at twenty-nine (29) verbal commitments, ranking the class at #10 nationally and #1 in the ACC. The class’ quality rating stands at a healthy 91.15.

So let’s take our final swing of the cycle.

2026 Miami Mock Class:

December, 2025

DROPPED OFF: RB/LB Lekhy Thompkins, DT Carter Gooden, DE Bryce Perry-Wright, DB Justice Fitzpatrick, S Blake Stewart, DT Anthony Kennedy, Jr. 

Quarterback: (1)

Dereon Coleman - COMMITTED

The Canes got their man. Dereon is firmly committed to Miami and will orange and green in 2026.

Running Back: (2)

Javian Mallory - COMMITTED

Amari Latimer - Committed (Wisconsin)

It appears Miami wants to take two running backs in this class. Javian Mallory is solid to Miami. We feel the second back will be versatile big back Amari Latimer, currently a Wisconsin commit.

Wide Receiver: (4)

Somourian Wingo - COMMITTED

Vance Spafford - COMMITTED

Milan Parris - COMMITTED

Tyran Evans - COMMITTED

Miami must replace a lot of production this cycle. Our current projection is four-star commit Vance Stafford, four-star Somourian Wingo, (three-star Tyran Evans, four-star Milan Paris and five-star Calvin Russell (flip). Miami has a solid class, one of the best in the ACC.

Tight End: (2)

Israel Briggs - COMMITTED

Gavin Mueller - COMMITTED

Miami is being selective in the tight end room this cycle. The Canes landed a commitment from elite pass catching Israel Briggs. Recently, Miami flipped four star Gavin Mueller from Colorado. Briggs and Mueller are a perfect compliment.

Offensive Tackle: (3)

Jackson Cantwell - COMMITTED

Ben Congdon - COMMITTED

Joel Ervin - COMMIMTED

Much to our delight, Miami has landed commitments from 5-star Jackson Cantwell, 4-star Ben Congdon and 4-star Joel Ervin. AT THIS TIME, we are projecting this group to be one of the best offensive tackle classes in the country.

Interior Offensive Line: (3)

Canon Pickett - COMMITTED

JJ Sparks - COMMITTED

Rhys Woodrow - COMMITTED

Like offensive tackle, the interior OL quality is very good this cycle. And there were some twists and turns this summer as the Canes landed three quality interior linemen. AT THIS TIME, we are projecting JJ Sparks, Rhys Woodrow, and Canon Pickett will land at Miami.

Edge Rusher: (3)

Asharri Charles- COMMITTED

Jordan Campbell  - COMMITTED

DeAnthony Lafayette  - COMMITTED

Miami is loaded at this position and have stacked more blue chip talent in Asharri Charles, DeAnthony Lafayette and versatile Jordan Campbell. AT THIS TIME, we are projecting Asharri Charles, DeAnthony Lafayette and Jordan Campbell will be wear orange and green in 2026.

Defensive Tackle: (3)

Keshawn Stancil - COMMITTED

Logan Nagle - COMMITTED

Frederic Sainteus  - COMMITTED

Everyone wants quality defensive tackles. Very tough competition, so the recruiting battles have been fierce. At this time, we are projecting Keshawn Stancil, Logan Nagle and Frederic Sainteus will be Canes on signing day.

Defensive End (SDE): (2)

Isaac Chukwurah  - COMMITTED

Tyson Bacon  - COMMITTED

Miami needs more talent and depth here. Recently, the Canes flipped Isaac Chukwurah from Penn State but must now fight off West Virginia and Syracuse at the finish line. We feel they will.

At this time, we are projecting Tyson Bacon and Isaac Chukwurah will sign with Miami. The Canes may still go to the transfer portal again for more veteran depth.

Linebacker: (2)

Justin Edwards  - COMMITTED

Karsten Busch

Miami has a young and talented linebacker room but lacks enough depth. The staff wants to stack blue chip talent for the future. The Canes have landed commitment from coveted prospect, Justin “JJ” Edwards. The Canes appear to want one additional linebacker this cycle, a middle backer. At this time, we are projecting ​Karsten Busch will flip and sign with Miami.

Cornerback: (4)

Jontavius Wyman  - COMMITTED

Camdin Portis - COMMITTED

Jaelen Waters  - COMMITTED

Brody Jennings  - COMMITTED

Miami has made it clear they are rebuilding the back end of the defense. The Canes have landed commitments from four blue-chip prospects. At this time, we are projecting Jontavius Wyman, Camden Portis, Jaelen Waters and Brody Jennings will line up as Canes in 2026.

Safety: (2)

JJ Dunnigan  - COMMITTED

Cortez Redding  - COMMITTED

Like at cornerback, Miami is rebuilding with blue chip talent at safety. The Canes this past summer landed four-star Cortez Redding and recently flipped four-star JJ Dunnigan from Colorado. Both Dunnigan and Redding will sign with Miami.

STILL in the Hunt:

There may be a surprise or two on signing day. Mario and his staff will continue to push for the following prospects until the ink drys. However, we can not project them landing in Coral Gables.

EDG Anthony “Tank” Jones

WR Calvin Russell

DL Bryce Perry-Wright

DE Nolan Wilson

DB Justice Fitzpatrick

RB Derrek Cooper

S Blake Stewart

BOTTOM LINE:

Miami will once again land an elite class of new recruits.

Miami took only 21 new recruits in the 2025 class and the roster limit is now 105 scholarship players. We feel the Canes may carry as many as 30-31 recruits in the 2026 class. We are projecting a 2026 class of 31 new recruits.

The above class would score 280.92. In 2025, this score would have ranked #11. In 2024, this score would have ranked #7. In 2023, this score would have ranked #8. In 2022, this score would have ranked #6.

Miami could finish with another solid top 10 class. The Canes’ continued success on the field may take the class into the top 10 in the nation. Mario may also have a few surprises up his sleeve.

Miami may elect to return to the Transfer Portal after the season to fill any remaining roster needs for 2026.

Our Miami 2026 mock class is at the finish line. Check back on Wednesday for the final results on nextWAVE.

GO CANES!