nextWave: ’26 Mock Class (v11.0)

November 1, 2025

With the season quickly rounding the far turn, we are witnessing Miami’s final big push for another very strong recruiting class. The Cane’ 2026 recruiting class could again be in the top 10 nationally.

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

To date, Miami has offered 423 non-binding verbal scholarship offers. With 30 days until the start of the early signing period, it’s now decision time for many prospects. Over the next four weeks, we expect the Canes’ class to round out for this cycle as Miami makes their final fall push to national signing day on December 3.

The Canes’ 2026 recruiting class currently stands at twenty-five (25) verbal commits, ranking the class at #11 nationally and #1 in the ACC. The class’ quality rating stands at a very healthy 91.00.

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

2026 Miami Mock Class:

November, 2025

DROPPED OFF: WR Calvin Russell

Quarterback: (1)

Dereon Coleman - COMMITTED

The Canes got their man. Dereon is firmly committed to Miami. We are not projecting further quarterback commitments this cycle.

Running Back: (2)

Javian Mallory - COMMITTED

Amari Latimer* - (Wisconsin commit)

At this time, we are projecting Javian Mallory will be the only new freshman running back to wear orange and green in 2026.

Wide Receiver: (4)

Vance Spafford - COMMITTED

Tyran Evans - COMMITTED

Somourian Wingo - COMMITTED

Milan Parris - COMMITTED

Miami must replace a lot of production this cycle. Our current projection is high four-star commit Vance Stafford, four-star Somourian Wingo, three-star Tyran Evans and four-star Milan Paris.

Tight End: (2)

Israel Briggs - COMMITTED

Gavin Mueller - (Colorado commit)

Miami is being selective in the tight end room this cycle. The Canes landed commitments from elite Israel Briggs and possibly Gavin Mueller*.

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: (2)

Asharri Charles - COMMITTED

Anthony “Tank” Jones (Oregon commit)

Miami is loaded at this position and have stacked another blue chip talent in Asharri Charles. Coach Aaron Taylor is hunting for another whale, Anthony “Tank” Jones. We are calling this “flip” for Miami. AT THIS TIME, we are projecting Asharri Charles and the “Tank” for this cycle.

Defensive Tackle: (4)

Keshawn Stancil - COMMITTED

Tyson Bacon  - COMMITTED

Anthony Kennedy, Jr. - COMMITTED

Frederic Sainteus  - COMMITTED

Everyone wants quality defensive tackles. Very tough competition, so the recruiting battles are underway. At this time, we are projecting Tyson Bacon, Anthony Kennedy, Jr. and Frederic Sainteus will be Canes on signing day.

Defensive End (SDE): (2)

Lekhy Thompkins* (Louisville commit)

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

Miami needs more depth here. A familiar name has re-emerged recently. At this time, we feel Miami will flip Lekhy Thompkins and Bryce Perry-Wright.

Linebacker: (2)

Jordan Campbell  - COMMITTED

Justin Edwards  - COMMITTED

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 commitments from two coveted prospects, Jordan Campbell and Justin “JJ” Edwards. The Canes appear to be finished at this position, unless a special talent emerges.

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 and appear to be focused on a "whale" to top their haul.

Safety: (3)

Cortez Redding  - COMMITTED

Blake Stewart

JJ Dunnigan

Like cornerback, Miami is rebuilding with blue chip talent at safety. The Canes have near-term playing time to offer. In July, Miami landed 4-star Cortez Redding and are in the hunt for more.

BOTTOM LINE:

Miami has been quietly building recruiting momentum over the last few months. From all reports and buzz, the Canes remains positioned for a very strong finish. Mario is famous for his recruiting stretch drives. Look for another strong finish and a top 10 finish.

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 30-32 recruits in the 2026 class. We are projecting a 2026 class of 31 new recruits.

The above class would currently score 287.91. In 2025, this score would have ranked #7. In 2024, this score would have ranked #6. In 2023, this score would have ranked #5. In 2022, this score would have ranked #6.

Miami should finish with another solid top ten class. Success on the field this season may take the class into the top ten in the nation. Mario may have a few surprises up his sleeve.

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

Our Miami 2026 mock class will likely change over the course of the final month. Check back in December for our final projection.

GO CANES!