theCall: ’26 Mock Class (v8.0)

August 14, 2025

With the season opener only a few weeks away, we are getting a solid picture of the Canes’ potential 2026 recruiting class. It could be a top 10 class.

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 409 non-binding verbal scholarship offers. It’s now decision time for many prospects. Over the next four months, we expect our mock classes will continue to change as Miami makes their final fall push to national signing day in December.

The Canes’ 2026 recruiting class currently stands at twenty-two (22) verbal commits, ranking the class at 12 nationally and #1 in the ACC. The class’ quality rating stands at a healthy 91.16.

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

2026 Miami Mock Class: (August, 2025)

DROPPED OFF: RB Derrek Cooper, WR Tristen Keys, TE Zachery Turner, IOL Breck Kolojay, EDGE Anthony “Tank” Jones, DE Bryce Perry-Wright, DE Nolan Wilson, DT Freddie Wilson, S Devin Jackson

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: (1)

Javian Mallory - COMMITTED

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: (3)

Vance Spafford - COMMITTED

Tyran Evans - COMMITTED

Somourian Wingo - COMMITTED

Miami must replace a lot of production this cycle. The Canes did received their third wide receiver commitment (Wingo) this past month. Our current projection is high four-star commit Vance Stafford, four-star Somourian Wingo and three-star Tyran Evans. Miami has a solid group of receivers now but may take a fourth if the right prospect emerges.

Tight End: (1)

Israel Briggs - COMMITTED

Miami is being selective in the tight end room this cycle. The Canes landed a commitment from elite Israel Briggs. Miami could go with one tight end this cycle.

Offensive Tackle: (3)

Jackson Cantwell - COMMITTED

Ben Congdon - COMMITTED

Joel Ervin - COMMIMTED

Much to our delight, Miami has landed one of the best offensive tackle classes in the country in 5-star Jackson Cantwell, 4-star Ben Congdon and 4-star Joel Ervin. AT THIS TIME, we are projecting Jackson Cantwell, Ben Congdon and Joel Ervin will wear the orange and green in 2026.

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 IOL.

AT THIS TIME, we are projecting JJ Sparks, Rhys Woodrow, and Canon Pickett will land at Miami.

Edge Rusher: (2)

Asharri Charles - committed

Miami is loaded at this position and have stacked another blue chip talent in Asharri Charles.

AT THIS TIME, we are projecting willing Asharri Charles this cycle.

Defensive Tackle: (3)

Tyson Bacon - committed

Anthony Kennedy, Jr. - committed

Alister Vallejo* (Michigan commit)

Everyone wants quality defensive tackles. Very tough competition, so the recruiting battles are underway. The Canes are working hard to flip Michigan commit Alister Vallejo. We believe that Miami will be successful here. At this time, we are projecting Tyson Bacon, Anthony Kennedy, Jr., Alister Vallejo* will be Canes on signing day.

Defensive End (SDE): (1)

Miami needs to do a better job setting the edge. A new name has emerged recently.

Lekhy Thompkins* (Louisville commit)

Linebacker: (2)

Jordan Campbell (committed)

Justin Edwards (committed)

Miami has a young and talented linebacker room but lacks experience. 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 finished for the cycle.

Safety: (2)

Cortez Redding - committed

Jowell Combay (Tennessee commit)

Like cornerback, Miami is rebuilding with bluechip 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 a second safety in the 2026 class from among committed safeties Jowell Combay (Tennessee), Tony Forney (Missouri), Markell Taylor (Cincinnati) and Jamar Owens (Indiana).

BOTTOM LINE:

July was not a good recruiting month for the Canes. There’s no other way to put it. However, 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 going to 105, effective July 1, 2025. We feel the Canes may carry as many as 28 recruits in the 2026 class.

We are projecting a class of 26 new recruits. Miami’s 2025 class of 21 recruits ranked #13 in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite.

The above class would currently score 268.90

In 2025, this score would have ranked #13.

In 2024, this score would have ranked #13.

In 2023, this score would have ranked #14

In 2022, this score would have ranked #8.

Despite the large number of misses over the last month or so, Miami will finish with another solid top 15 class. The season is ahead, so that may make an impact recruiting on signing day. Mario may have a few surprises up his sleeve.

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

Our Miami 2026 mock class will likely change over the course of the next four months. Check back in September after we beat Notre Dame for the latest projection on theCALL.

GO CANES!