theCALL... April

April 1, 2025

We’re back to continue our insane exercise of projecting Miami’s 2026 recruiting 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 during the first week of each month.

To date, Miami has offered 384 non-binding verbal scholarship offers. The staff is hard at work recruiting their top targets. Over this year, we expect our mock classes to change often.

At this time, spring practice is half over and official summer visits are being locking down, giving us more data points and a better picture of the 2026 recruiting landscape.

But for now, let’s take our fourth swing of the cycle.

2026 Miami Mock Class: (April)

DROPPED OFF: IOL Grant Wise, EDG Jake Kreul, LB Izayia Williams, S Ayden Pouncey

Quarterback: (1)

Dereon Coleman - COMMITTED

All indicators point Dereon firmly to Miami. The Canes got their man.

Running Back: (2)

Derrek Cooper

Javian Mallory - COMMITTED

Miami will reportedly take two running backs this cycle. One down, one to go. Based on our algorithm, we are projecting long-time south Florida target Derrek Cooper, despite numerous prospects considering Miami.

Wide Receiver: (3)

Calvin Russell

Jasen Lopez

Jayden Petit

Miami must replace a lot of production this cycle and the long-time target Calvin Russell is at the top of their board. At slot, they must replace Xavier Restrepo. Our projection is local multi-sport star Jasen Lopez. Many also wants to get bigger at the position. We feel the Canes are in a very good position for multi-sport athlete Jayden Petit, although it’s too close to call at this time.

Tight End: (2)

Heze Kent

Luke Sorensen

Miami is reloading the tight end room this cycle. Our current algorithm has Miami trending for a combination of blocking power and a receiving threat in Heze Kent and Luke Sorensen, respectively.

Offensive Tackle: (3)

Keenyi Pepe

Ben Congdon - COMMITTED

Joel Ervin - COMMITTED

All indications are projecting a big year for offensive line recruiting for Miami. The quality is there, which makes our projection rather difficult. AT THIS TIME, we are projecting Keenyi Pepe, Ben Congdon and Joel Ervin. There could also be a fourth tackle taken (can we say Cantwell?) if things fall the right way this season.

Interior Offensive Line: (3)

Breck Kolojay

Ryan Miret

Canon Pickett

Like offensive tackle, the quality is very good this cycle. Tough competition though and some tough decisions coming. AT THIS TIME, we are projecting Breck Kolojay, Ryan Miret, Canon Pickett.

Edge Rusher: (2)

Asharri Charles

Daniel Norman

It appears Miami wants to take multiple projects at this position. At the top of their board is Asharri Charles. After Charles, there are a number of prospects under consideration and more emerging every week. AT THIS TIME, we are projecting local STA target Daniel Norman.

Defensive Tackle: (2)

Vodney Cleveland

Lamar Brown

Everyone wants defensive tackles. Very tough competition, so the recruiting battles are still forming. AT THIS TIME, Miami is trending to Vodney Cleveland and newly minted tackle Lamar Brown.

Defensive End (SDE): (2)

James Johnson

Deuce Geralds

Miami needs to do a better job setting the edge. It’s becoming clear their top target is James Johnson, who may ultimate grow into a defensive tackle. AT THIS TIME, the second end on the board appears to be Deuce Geralds. That could change.

Linebacker: (3)

Jordan Campbell (committed)

Malik Morris

Jacob Eberhart

Miami has a young and talented linebacker room but lacks experience. The staff wants to stack blue chip talent for the future. The Canes are off to a good start with Jordan Campbell. The rest of the board is still emerging, so our projection here might be a little stretch.

Cornerback: (3)

Camdin Portis (committed)

Jaelen Waters (committed)

Justice Fitzpatrick

Miami has made it clear they are rebuilding the back end of the defense. So far, the Canes are looking very good and want to stack quality talent for the future.

Safety: (2)

Davon Benjamin

Cortez Redding

Like cornerback, Miami is rebuilding with bluechip talent. They have near-term playing time to offer. At the top of their board are Davon Benjamin and Cortez Redding.

BOTTOM LINE:

No, this is no April Fools joke. Miami’s 2026 recruiting is shaping up to be very special this cycle. As always, the field product will sway the recruiting battles. We are projecting a class of 28 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 302.96.

In 2025, this score would have ranked #3.

In 2024, this score would have ranked #3.

In 2023, this score would have ranked #4

In 2022, this score would have ranked #4.

While very encouraging, don’t get too excited. It’s still too early for that now. Come July, we should have a much better picture of where Miami stands. But we like where it’s trending.

Our Miami 2026 mock class will definitely change over the course of the next eight months. Check back in early May for the latest projection on theCALL.

GO CANES!