Ten prospects in the Class of 2026 that Miami might sign

Ten Prospects in the Class of 2026 That Miami Might Sign

As college football recruiting heats up for the Class of 2026, the Miami Hurricanes are strategically working to bolster their roster for the future. With head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff continuing to build a recruiting pipeline that stretches across the country, Miami is positioned to become a powerhouse in the coming years. In this article, we will explore ten prospects in the Class of 2026 who could make a significant impact on the Miami Hurricanes’ future success. These players come from various positions and regions but all share one thing in common: they have the potential to contribute to Miami’s rise to prominence.

1. Jayden Howell – Quarterback (6’3”, 200 lbs)

Position: Quarterback
School: Saint Louis High School (Honolulu, HI)
Recruiting Profile: 5-Star
Why Miami: The quarterback position is a critical one, and with Tyler Van Dyke’s departure from the program in the near future, Miami will be looking to secure a future star at the position. Jayden Howell is one of the most highly-rated quarterbacks in the Class of 2026 and has the physical tools to thrive in a pro-style offense. His accuracy, vision, and poise under pressure make him a perfect fit for the Hurricanes. Miami’s staff has already made a significant push to get involved with Howell, and his interest in the program is reportedly growing. If Cristobal and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson can make a strong enough pitch, Howell could be one of the foundational pieces for Miami’s future at quarterback.

2. Tyler McFadden – Running Back (6’0”, 210 lbs)

Position: Running Back
School: Carrollton High School (Carrollton, GA)
Recruiting Profile: 4-Star
Why Miami: Running back is a position where Miami has long been a factory of talent, and Tyler McFadden could continue that tradition. McFadden has a rare blend of size, speed, and vision that allows him to break through defenses both between the tackles and on the perimeter. His physicality and powerful running style would be a great asset in Miami’s ground-and-pound offense. Additionally, McFadden has shown the ability to catch passes out of the backfield, making him a dual-threat that fits into the modern style of play. Miami’s running game has been inconsistent in recent years, and adding a versatile back like McFadden could be the key to igniting the Hurricanes’ offense.

3. Jaxon Reed – Wide Receiver (6’2”, 190 lbs)

Position: Wide Receiver
School: McKinney High School (McKinney, TX)
Recruiting Profile: 5-Star
Why Miami: Miami’s receiving corps has been among the most talented in the ACC in recent years, but the Hurricanes will need to reload with top-tier talent in the Class of 2026. Jaxon Reed is a prototypical wide receiver with elite size, speed, and hands. He is a deep threat with incredible ball-tracking skills and can stretch the field with ease. Reed is also a physical receiver who excels in contested catches and blocking on the perimeter. The combination of Xavier Restrepo, Colbie Young, and a player like Reed could give Miami one of the most dangerous receiving units in the nation. Given Reed’s Texas roots, Miami will need to fight hard to beat out other SEC schools, but his skill set aligns perfectly with what Cristobal and offensive coordinator Josh Gattis want in their passing game.

4. Jaden Johnson – Offensive Tackle (6’6”, 320 lbs)

Position: Offensive Tackle
School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)
Recruiting Profile: 5-Star
Why Miami: The offensive line is an area of focus for Miami in every recruiting cycle, and Jaden Johnson represents one of the top prospects in the Class of 2026. Johnson is a massive physical presence who combines elite size with athleticism that allows him to dominate in both pass protection and the run game. As a product of IMG Academy, Johnson has received coaching from some of the best minds in football, and his potential is off the charts. Miami has made it a priority to shore up its offensive line, and adding a player of Johnson’s caliber would be a huge boost. Miami’s recruiting efforts in Florida will be critical to landing Johnson, as many schools will be targeting him, but the opportunity to play for a program on the rise could entice him to stay in-state.

5. Kendrick Harris – Defensive End (6’4”, 240 lbs)

Position: Defensive End
School: St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Recruiting Profile: 5-Star
Why Miami: The Hurricanes’ defensive front has shown flashes of brilliance, but it still lacks the consistent game-changers that can dominate in the ACC. Kendrick Harris is exactly the type of player who could elevate Miami’s defense to another level. A dynamic pass rusher with a relentless motor, Harris has the tools to make an immediate impact as a freshman. His combination of size, speed, and hand technique make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Being from the Miami area, Harris would be a natural fit for the Hurricanes, and landing him would be a significant victory for the program. With Miami’s defense on the rise under defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, Harris could be a key piece in helping the Hurricanes become a true contender on that side of the ball.

6. Zion Hill – Linebacker (6’2”, 220 lbs)

Position: Linebacker
School: North Shore High School (Houston, TX)
Recruiting Profile: 4-Star
Why Miami: Miami’s defense has been in need of impact players in the linebacker corps, and Zion Hill could fill that void. Hill is a physically imposing linebacker who excels at both run-stopping and pass coverage. His athleticism allows him to cover ground quickly, and his ability to read plays makes him a versatile defender. Hill’s leadership qualities and aggressive playing style would be an asset to Miami’s defense, and he could contribute early in his career. The Hurricanes have had success recruiting in Texas, and if they can land Hill, it would significantly improve their linebacker depth and overall defensive unit.

7. Tyreke White – Cornerback (5’11”, 190 lbs)

Position: Cornerback
School: Lakewood High School (St. Petersburg, FL)
Recruiting Profile: 4-Star
Why Miami: The cornerback position is one that Miami has invested heavily in over the years, and Tyreke White represents one of the best corner prospects in the Class of 2026. White’s ability to lock down wide receivers in one-on-one situations, combined with his physicality and quick reflexes, make him a potential star at the position. Miami’s defense has benefitted from strong cornerback play in recent years, but the addition of White would provide even more depth and talent to the secondary. Given his Florida roots, Miami will be a strong contender to land him, and his ability to contribute early makes him a priority target for the coaching staff.

8. Jalen Harper – Safety (6’1”, 205 lbs)

Position: Safety
School: Grayson High School (Loganville, GA)
Recruiting Profile: 5-Star
Why Miami: The safety position is critical to Miami’s defensive backfield, and Jalen Harper is one of the top prospects in the Class of 2026. Harper is a hard-hitting safety with exceptional ball skills. He excels in both coverage and run support, and his versatility allows him to play in various defensive schemes. Harper’s instincts and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes make him an ideal fit for the Hurricanes’ defense, which is predicated on aggressive, physical play. Landing a player of Harper’s caliber would solidify Miami’s secondary for years to come and allow the defense to match up with some of the best offenses in the nation.

9. Marcus Johnson – Wide Receiver (6’4”, 210 lbs)

Position: Wide Receiver
School: Lakeland High School (Lakeland, FL)
Recruiting Profile: 4-Star
Why Miami: Wide receiver is another position where Miami continues to reload with talent. Marcus Johnson is a big-bodied receiver with exceptional speed and agility. His ability to make contested catches and stretch the field makes him a perfect target in the Hurricanes’ offense. Johnson’s physicality and ability to make plays in the red zone would provide a valuable asset in Miami’s receiving corps. Miami has a strong tradition of developing wide receivers, and if they can land Johnson, he could be a key contributor to the offense for years to come.

10. Jadarius Scott – Defensive Tackle (6’5”, 300 lbs)

Position: Defensive Tackle
School: American Heritage School (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Recruiting Profile: 5-Star
Why Miami: The Hurricanes have made it a point to upgrade their defensive line, and Jadarius Scott is a force in the trenches. At 6’5” and 300 pounds, Scott has the size and power to clog running lanes while also being a disruptive force in the pass rush. His quickness off the ball and ability to overpower offensive linemen make him a potential game-changer for Miami’s defense. As a Fort Lauderdale native, Scott would be