Where from here?

Miami lost out on their top running back target this cycle on Saturday.

While extremely disappointed, Mario Cristobal and his staff have always maintained a “get back to work” mentality in all aspects of running a premiere program. That means the staff will now pivot to other blue chip targets.

Miami's vaulted rushing attack is scheduled to return five quality backs (Mark Fletcher, Jordan Lyle, CharMar Brown, Girard Pringle Jr., Chris Wheatley-Humphrey) in 2026. They will be joined by 2026 true freshman Javian Mallory. None exhausted their eligibility after the 2025 season. However, Fletcher and Brown will need to be replaced after the 2026 season. Miami prefers to carry five running backs because of the physical nature of the position. Look for the Canes to sign two running backs in the 2027 recruiting class.​​

Who are other running back targets on Miami’s 2027 board?

CaneReports feels there are five names to know moving forward.

Ty Keys 

Hometown: Poplarville, MS 

School:  Poplarville                   

HT: 6'-1" | WT: 200  |  Offers: 29 |  Rating: 92 |  Pos. Rank: 14 |  Overall Rank: 212

Status:  UNCOMMITTED   |  Top Tier:  Ole Miss, Florida  State, Miami

OV:  6/12-14         UOV: 4/9/26

Summary: Mississippi Class 4A Mr. Football. Finished junior season with 301 carries for 3,285 yards (10.9 YPC) and 45 TD. Set a state single-game rushing record with 546 yards and 8 TD in 2026.

Tyson Robinson

Hometown: Brandon, MS

School:  Brandon                      

HT: 5'-9.5" | WT: 199  |  Offers: 38 |  Rating: 92 |  Pos. Rank: 15 |  Overall Rank: 223

Status:  UNCOMMITTED   |  Top Tier:  Miami, Ariz. State, Miss State, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas A&M

OV: ---          UOV: ---

Summary: Breakout season in 2024 with 1,295 yards (7.4 YPC) and 24 TDs while catching 42 catches for 668 yards (15.9 YPC) and 10 TDs.

Brennen Lacey​

​Hometown:  Frisco, TX

School:  Frisco                      

HT: 5'-11.5" | WT: 190  |  Offers:  11  |  Rating: 88  |  Pos. Rank: 41  |  Overall Rank:  595

Status:  UNCOMMITTED   |  Top Tier:  

OV:           UOV:

Summary: Multi-sport (track and field.)  As a sophomore, ran a 10.91 100 and a 22.73 200. Also recorded a 6-0 high jump and 22-4 long jump in Spring 2025. |  In 2025, rushed for 537 yards (9.1 ypc), 8 TDs (nine game schedule). Added 10 receptions for 260 yards and 2 TDs.

Elijah Kimble

Hometown:  Buffalo, NY

School: Canisius                       

HT: 5'-10" | WT: 180  |  Offers: 38 |  Rating:  90 |  Pos. Rank: 21  |  Overall Rank: 310

Status:  UNCOMMITTED   |  Top Tier:  Indiana, Washington, Miami, UNC

OV:  6/5/26        UOV:  3/24/26

Summary: High school career, totaled 5,325 rushing yards and 73 rushing touchdowns while averaging 8.9 yards per carry​​​​​​

Brayden Tyson

​Hometown:  Snellville, GA

School:   Brookwood                     

HT: 6'-0" | WT:  235  |  Offers:  39  |  Rating:  89  |  Pos. Rank: 23  |  Overall Rank:  353

Status:  UNCOMMITTED   |  Top Tier:   South Carolina, FSU, Miami, Rutgers, Purdue

OV:  6/5/26         UOV: 3/18/25

Summary: He has been clocked in the 4.4's in the 40 at 6-foot, 235 pounds. Rutgers has been a favorite, having made Tyson's top eight last summer. Tyson is the son of DeAngelo Tyson, a former defensive lineman who played at the University of Georgia (2008–2011) and was drafted in the 7th round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens and also won a Super Bowl. He also has official visits scheduled to South Carolina, FSU, Miami and Purdue. Tyson also attends the same high school that produced Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan. 

BOTTOM LINE:

Miami will bounce back from this recruiting loss. It will be interesting to follow the recruiting trail all the way to the finish line.

GO CANES!