Mario Cristobal ain’t just building a team—he’s assembling the Avengers out here. He’s moving faster than John Wick on a mission after missing the playoffs despite a strong 10-2 run. He got Carson Beck at first, from Georgia. Now, he secured a commitment from a talented player who performed exceptionally well and won the Battle Miami 7v7 trophy in 2026, combined with his incredible talent, loyalty, and leadership. The impact of Cristobal is evident as Miami’s story remains a remarkable comeback, reminiscent of a Hollywood tale.

So, Mario Cristobal’s three-star QB recruit from Jones Dereon Coleman, has impressed all both on and off the field. The Battle Miami 7v7 tournament in South Florida featured some of the nation’s top talents, and for the second year in a row, a Miami Hurricanes QB commit emerged victorious. However, Coleman has even grander aspirations.

He confidently declared, according to On3, “I’m telling you we’re going to win a championship when I get there.” This rising star has certainly ignited the dreams of Miami fans.

 

Coming off an extraordinary junior season where he amassed 3,412 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, Coleman brought that same intensity to the 7v7 circuit. His performance over the weekend was not just impressive; it served as a wake-up call to the entire country. While Hurricanes fans have long recognized Coleman’s exceptional talent, this recent display has made it evident that he is ready to make a statement to everyone else.

Last January, this crown was on Miami freshman, Luke Nickel, who led his C1N team to victory. This year, it was Coleman’s moment to shine. Partnering with Defcon, the 2026 commit dominated from the preliminary rounds to the championship game.

However, Coleman turned heads like no other this time, showcasing his confidence, leadership, and undeniable skill set. Miami’s future looks incredibly bright with him at the helm, much like South Beach in July.

Now, let’s talk about the “We” Coleman was referring to.

Coleman added depth to Mario Cristobal’s Hurricanes

Since Dereon Coleman committed to the Canes during the summer, he has shown unwavering dedication by shutting down his recruitment and focusing solely on Miami. He has developed a strong bond with head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, who treat him like family.

He says, “I can trust them, and they’re family-friendly. They love my family, and they love me. It feels like they’re trying to make me their family and it’s not recruiting. It feels like I’m a part of the team.” With NIL deals taking center stage, that kind of commitment is a rarity in today’s college football landscape.

But that’s not all!

Coleman is also thinking beyond himself. He is actively working to bring his high school teammate, three-star wide receiver Larry Miles, to the team. Together, Coleman and Miles can become a formidable duo during the tournament, dominating defenses and achieving a flawless record. Now, he is also planning to get him to the team as he says, “As you can see, every time we’re in Miami, I bring Larry,” Coleman said. “I’m trying to get him to come, and we’re going to make that happen.”

Significantly, Cristobal’s 2026 class will look like a dream team on the cards if all goes well.

Moreover, Miles isn’t just a tag-along; he’s the real deal. In his sophomore year at West Orange, he caught 40 passes for 531 yards and scored three touchdowns. With programs like Arkansas, Iowa State, and Boston College expressing interest, Miles would be a significant addition to Cristobal and Miami. The chemistry between Miles and Coleman could make them a duo that garners attention and admiration.

If Miles eventually decides to join the team, it would be a win-win situation for Miami, and Cristobal’s impact could become legendary.