In the grand scheme of the ‘24 college football season, the hurricane that spawned out of southern Florida caused no real damage nationally as it diminished into a moderate breeze. Those blatant defensive issues caught up to Miami down the stretch, and they failed to make the playoffs. However, HC Mario Cristobal can take some solace from the season overall. He breached double-digit wins, which signifies the trajectory of the program since he’s been at the helm. In 3 years, Cristobal has led the Canes to 5, 7, and then 10-win seasons. This steady uptick is, of course, an extension of his coaching prowess. But it’s also evidence of his reputation as a recruiting whiz. A monicker he’s living up to yet again. Peep over the immediate horizon and the classes of ‘26 and ‘27 are shaping rather well for Miami.

Rivals.com relayed that as many as 8 prospects across both recruiting classes are either trending towards or heavily pondering taking their talents to South Beach. The array is not only vast in quantity but also in quality and range. More 3 and 4-stars than downtown Miami across a multitude of position groups. First, let’s delve into the class of ‘26 with Kamhariyan Johnson. The 4-star EDGE out of Alabama has already been to Coral Gables during spring camp and is reportedly planning an OV in the future. “The Miami visit was great… They moved far up [my preferences] after visiting,” said Kamhariyan Johnson. “They have a strong defensive line, and I loved the campus.” The player also pointed to NFL legend and current Canes’ defensive end coach Jason Taylor being a magnetic pull. “What he did in the NFL at my position — I know I’ll get developed here,” said Johnson.

Next up, 4-star safety Nassir McCoy. He’s already scheduled an official visit to Miami alongside Ole Miss and Georgia. New defensive back coaches Zac Etheridge and Will Harris are a key factor in Miami’s tussling with the two SEC schools. “My bond with Etheridge and Harris at other places translated over here… They treat me like the same top priority and show me how much I mean to the school,” remarked Nassir McCoy. Who also had praise for the rest of Mario Cristobal’s staff.

“[The coaching staff] treated my mom so special. They take everything with her so serious and me so serious. Miami is a great place to me,” said McCoy. Cristobal could sure do with a top-10 safety in his secondary. Sticking with the defense, Cristobal and Jason Taylor are recruiting the No. 1 IOL in the country for their D-line. And the love is still being reciprocated. Lamar Brown, who already has Mario Cristobal’s Canes in his final four, said, “I sat in the defensive meetings with Coach JT…He’s been in my shoes and he knows what it takes to get to the NFL, so I know for sure I’ll be developed to get to the NFL here.”

Miami isn’t the only school recruiting Brown on defense rather than offense. His comments definitely suggest he’s open to the switch. “Miami is a place I’ve always wanted to play at since I was [young],” added Lamar Brown. Another D-line recruit, 4-star Vodney Cleveland, was in Coral Gables over the weekend. He’s due to be back for an OV on June 20th. “[Miami] check most of the boxes as far as football, academics, and life after football…Miami is different. The atmosphere itself, the campus, and the culture within the staff,” he said during this recent trip. 

Vodney Cleveland even reiterated how a focus on academics with Mario Cristobal’s modus operandi is a massive factor. “Was meeting with Coach Cristobal…sitting down and talking to them about the team… Everyone on the team has a 3.5 GPA or higher, and it’s great to hear that with academics,” he said. The pull of the U indeed goes beyond repping the Hurricanes and the geographical advantages. Speaking of Cristobal’s MO, the offensive side of the football is also seeing a lot of traction on the recruiting front. 

Mario Cristobal making sure his team’s not lopsided going forward

“Coach [Alex] Mirabal is my dog. I see him as a family member. I don’t call him coach. He’s not a coach- he’s a teacher to me.” remarked Florida-native 5-star offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe. OL coach Mirabal has recruited the 6’7 behemoth from his freshman year in high school. Something that could really pay dividends for Mario Cristobal. Pepe is due for a visit in the first week of June. So is 4-star tight end Carson Sneed. Currently a Tennessee commit, Sneed is edging towards a flip to Miami. “I loved every part of the visit to Miami. Being able to get my mom and dad down there, and knowing that they loved it. Also, [I’m] having the feeling I’m a real priority there. They reiterated how much they want me and how big of a piece I could be for their offense,” he said.

Sticking to offensive weapons, 4-star receiver Corey Barber had some words of affirmation after his first-ever visit to the U over this weekend. “Miami is a special place and I can’t wait to get back down,” he said. After getting a closer look and spending time on campus this weekend, I still have Miami as a top contender. I see the system as a fit for my gameplay,” added Barber. Coach Kevin Beard is in charge of this one for Cristobal. To close out this 8-dish spread Miami fans could be feasting upon, we’ve got ATH Heze Kent. He’s being recruited by Mario Cristobal and co. as a tight end, although he can also play offensive tackle.

“What stands out is knowing their tight ends have been taken to the league and there have been a lot of legends to come through here like Greg Olsen and hopefully, Elijah Arroyo…I look up to them,” said Kent. He’ll be down in Coral Gables on July 12th. Mario Cristobal and his staff are leaving no stone unturned to make sure they can propel the Canes back to the upper echelons of the sport. This level of recruiting on multiple fronts is a statement. Miami will look to convert some of this interest into verbals and then enrollments. The next few months will say a lot about where this fabled program is headed under the current regiment. The signs do bode well.