the REAL Flip Season…

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal arrived at Miami in late 2022 with a national reputation as a relentless and passionate recruiter.

It has been a well-earned banner. His recruiting classes have all been among the best in the country. Cristobal is a 24/7 recruiter. And so is his staff. He never gives up on a recruiting target, in particular, his ability to “flip” a prospect has become his moniker.

So far in the current recruiting cycle, Miami has landed twenty-two verbal commitments in the 2026 class, now ranked #12 in the nation and #1 in the ACC.

Strong but not elite. YET!

While most other schools are shifting their focus to the 2027 recruiting class, Cristobal & company are gearing up to eat. The real “FLIP” season is about to begin.

The kick-off will be the Notre Dame - Miami game on August 31st at the “Rock.” The game is attracting major attention. It will be the only game being broadcast on national television (ABC-TV). And Miami is going to leverage that opportunity to cash in on the recruiting trail.

So far, thirty-five 2026, 2027 and 2028 prospects are planning to be in attendance, including fifteen Miami commits. By game time, that number is expected to reach 50 total prospects. Can Mario capitalize on this recruiting opportunity?

History says, YES.

This game will be only the beginning. There are indications Miami is launching a major “circle back” campaign this fall. Here are fifteen targets (15) committed to other schools who Miami has coveted this cycle but missed on their initial commitment.

WR Calvin Russell (Syracuse)

WR Tristen Keys (LSU)

RB Derrek Cooper (Texas)

RB Jae Lamar (Georgia)

RB/DL Lekhy Thompkins (Louisville)

CB Justice Fitzpatrick (Georgia)

DT James Johnson (Texas)

DT Alister Vallejo (Michigan)

DT Nemyah Telona (Cal)

DL Kaleb Morris (Mississippi State)

S Devin Jackson (Oregon)

S Jowell Combay (Tennessee)

S Markell Taylor (Cincinnati)

S Jamar Owens (Indiana)

S Tony Forney (Missouri)

Could the Canes land all the above targets? Probably not. But don't tell Mario that! A few key “flips” could elevate Miami’s class from good to great.

Break out the popcorn! Mario Cristobal is about to make the blue bloods nervous.

GO CANES!