REPORT CARD: 2026 Recruiting Class

By the end of the first day of the early signing period, Miami signed thirty (30) new recruits to their 2026 recruiting class.

For the fourth consecutive year the Canes landed the #1 class in the ACC. Twenty-one of Miami’s class are considered “blue chip” players (70%). That ratio is considered elite in college football recruiting.

So, let’s take a deep dive and grade the class by position and overall with the rest of college football. We based our assessment on the average player rating and the roster need.

QUARTERBACK (1): B+

Dereon Coleman

You must get a quarterback in each class. Man got their man. Quick. Progression reader. Strong arm. Accurate passer. Dereon is a perfect fit in Miami’s air maid offense.

RUNNING BACK (1): B

Javian Mallory

While Miami wanted a thunder-lightning combo, they got a very good running back in Javian Mallory. Canes may go to the portal for a depth piece.

WIDE RECEIVER (4): A+

Somourian Wingo

Milan Parris

Vance Spafford

Tyran Evans

Possibly Miami’s best receiver group in the last decade. Size, speed and depth.

TIGHT END (2): A

Gavin Mueller

Israel Briggs

Miami got quality recruits at both inline and receiver. Should impact quickly.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE (3): A+

Jackson Cantwell

Ben Congdon

Rhys Woodrow

An elite group, headlined by the #1 OT in the nation. Massive with quick feet and a nasty attitudes.

INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (3): C+

Joel Ervin

Canon Pickett

JJ Sparks

This group brings size, versatility and grit. Solid haul

EDGE (3): B+

Asharri Charles

Jordan Campbell

DeAnthony Lafayette

This group has high upside potential. Another solid haul.

DEFENSIVE END (2): C+

Isaac Chukwurah

Tyson Bacon

Solid and versatile. Both Chukwurah and Tyson could grow and play outside or slide inside.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE (3): B+

Keshawn Stancil

Logan Nagle

Frederic Sainteus

Great blend of quickness, size and upside potential.

LINEBACKER (2): B

Karsten Busch

Justin Edwards

Miami needed stack quality at both inside and outside this cycle. They got it at both. Solid.

CORNERBACK (4): B

Jaelen Waters

Camdin Portis

Brody Jennings

Jontavius Wyman

Miami needed to reload with both quantity and quality. A solid haul.

SAFETY (2): B

JJ Dunnigan

Cortez Redding

Like cornerback, Miami needed to reload with quality and upside. Another solid haul.

BOTTOM LINE: A

The blue chip ratio is elite. Mario Cristobal said it best. This class may be the best in the last decade.

Time will tell.

GO CANES!