Didn’t we all see this hurricane coming at Miami Hurricanes? You’d like to know who is making waves in Miami and he’s not slowing down. The latest splash? Came in just after they trounced in-state rival Florida State 36-14 to keep their perfect season intact. Perhaps all after Canes head coach Mario Cristobal delivered a strong message to the recruits, and it’s safe to say the message was received.

This wave hit the Miami shores not too long ago, on On3 recruits. Enter new Hurricane, 4-star wide receiver Malachi Toney. He had originally committed to Miami but later reclassified to join the 2025 class in early October, recommitting to the Canes in the process. Toney, a Fort Lauderdale native, is ranked as the 25th wide receiver in the nation. Before decommitting from Miami, he made a visit to Alabama and even outmaneuvered FSU in the recruiting game. As we talked about earlier, it’s clear Miami’s pull is strong.

Clearly, The Cristobal approach isn’t just about wins; it’s about the culture he’s building—a culture that’s all about The U. “I think it sends a strong message to the recruits” “ said Cristobal after a presser and slammed his hands on the lectern, like a judge banging a gavel to render his decision final. The “Trajectory” he referred to and compared other programs is going undefeated 8-0. Toney, standing at 5’11” and 185 pounds, gets it. At American Heritage High School, he has nearly 1,000 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in nine games. And is the latest Hurricane to hit Miami, joining 4-star pass catcher Joshua Moore. Great! Now the canes have both the star receivers of class 2025.

This re-commitment by Toney is just another example of Cristobal’s recruiting impact. For Miami, this commitment is part of a larger pattern. The Canes are no longer playing second fiddle in the recruiting scene—they’re driving the tempo. As long as Miami keeps winning, The HC’s pitch to recruits will only get stronger. There is something special brewing that recruits like these want a taste of.

Mario Cristobal’s strategy to make Miami Hurricanes great again

They had some rough times when Miami was behind other schools. Cristobal knew it wouldn’t be easy when he took the job in 2022, but it would take time. “We knew when we came here that we were going to get our teeth kicked in early,” Cristobal said. But by cultivating a culture of winning, he’s given tangible evidence that Miami isn’t just about the past; it’s about the future. Now? The script appears to be flipped.

Recruits want a program with clear direction, one that’s not just aiming for bowl games but for championships. Now, the Miami Hurricanes HC’s message is all about legacy—telling recruits they can help build something historic, not just participate. Focusing on local talent and fostering a winning culture, he’s made Miami a hotspot for young talent. For Mario Cristobal, every game is a chance to send a message to the next hurricane.