Top-5 running back Jae Lamar had a great time during his official visit to Miami, impressed by the energy and coaching staff.

In the heart of the summer recruiting season, few names are generating as much excitement among college football programs as Jae Lamar — a top-5 nationally ranked running back from Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Georgia. A standout in the 2026 recruiting class, Lamar recently completed an official visit to the University of Miami, and by all accounts, it was a trip that made a strong impression on the dynamic playmaker.

Lamar, already one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the country, left South Florida with glowing remarks about the program. From the coaches to the culture, to the intensity of the staff and energy on campus, Miami may have just moved one step closer to securing a game-changing player for their future.

Elite Talent With Sky-High Expectations

Standing at 6-foot, 205 pounds, Jae Lamar is a powerful, agile, and vision-driven running back who blends old-school physicality with modern versatility. A prototypical feature back, Lamar has been on the radar of Power Five programs since his sophomore year. In 2025, he rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 22 touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 8.3 yards per carry. He also showcased his receiving skills with 300+ yards through the air, making him a dual-threat weapon in any offensive scheme.

He is currently ranked as a top-5 running back in the nation by major recruiting services, including 247Sports, Rivals, and On3. While he has interest from over 30 programs, including Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Oregon, and Clemson, his recent visit to Miami may have shifted the recruiting landscape.

Miami: More Than Just a Visit

When Jae Lamar stepped onto the Miami campus for his official visit, he was looking for more than just facilities or flashy presentations. According to Lamar, it was the “genuine energy and personal connections” that made the biggest difference.

“It felt real,” Lamar said after the visit. “Everyone was just real. From the head coach to the position coaches to the people walking around campus — there was this energy, this vibe. I felt it.”

Lamar was hosted by current Miami players and given a tour of the Hurricanes’ football facilities, training rooms, recovery centers, and locker room. He also spent significant time with head coach Mario Cristobal and running backs coach Matt Merritt, who has played a pivotal role in Lamar’s recruitment.

“Coach Merritt is that guy,” Lamar said. “He doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear — he breaks it down for you. He shows you where you fit in, what he’s going to do to make you better, and what he expects from you.”

Matt Merritt: A Key Recruiter

Matt Merritt, Miami’s running backs coach, has a growing reputation as one of the top developers of running back talent in college football. His emphasis on fundamentals, film study, pass protection, and game IQ has resonated with elite recruits across the country — and Lamar is no exception.

The two have built a relationship that dates back over a year, and the visit only deepened that trust.

“We’ve been talking for a while, but being able to sit in the room with him, see how he runs his meetings, how he coaches his guys — that stood out to me,” Lamar noted.

Merritt’s message to Lamar was simple: he wouldn’t be just another back in the rotation — he’d be developed into an NFL-ready player.

Cristobal’s Culture Setting the Tone

Head coach Mario Cristobal has made it his mission to return Miami to national prominence, and that starts with recruiting the best — and developing them into elite athletes and men.

Cristobal’s presence during Lamar’s visit was constant, not just a cameo for the pitch.

“Coach Cristobal was everywhere,” Lamar said. “He was with us during meals, walking through the weight room, watching film, talking to my family. You can tell he’s locked in and means what he says.”

Cristobal has repeatedly emphasized that Miami isn’t for everyone — it’s for those who want to compete, train hard, and build a legacy. That mindset seems to have struck a chord with Lamar.

“I want to go somewhere that pushes me,” Lamar added. “Miami feels like that place.”

A Glimpse Into the Future

Part of the visit included detailed breakdowns of how Miami sees Lamar fitting into their offensive scheme. He was shown cutups of plays they believe match his running style — inside zone, outside stretch, counter schemes, and screens.

Lamar sees himself in the mold of former Hurricane stars like Clinton Portis and Frank Gore — backs who were strong, smart, and explosive at the next level.

“The way they use their backs — it fits me,” he said. “I’m not just a runner. I want to be used all over the field, and they’re showing me that’s the plan.”

A Family-Oriented Experience

Beyond football, Lamar’s family was a huge part of the visit — and Miami made sure they were front and center.

His mother, who accompanied him, had high praise for the way the staff treated her son.

“They didn’t just talk football,” she said. “They talked about who Jae is as a person, what he wants in life, what kind of man he’s becoming. That meant a lot to us.”

Family connections and mentorship are clearly important to Lamar, and Miami’s efforts to involve both parents and player in meaningful ways set the visit apart.

Recruiting Competition Heating Up

Despite the momentum Miami may have gained, Lamar is not ready to commit just yet. He still has official visits lined up with Georgia, Clemson, and Texas. All three schools have strong cases — Georgia with its national titles, Clemson with its player development, and Texas with its offensive identity and NIL opportunities.

However, many analysts believe that Miami made one of the strongest impressions so far.

“Jae is definitely high on Miami right now,” one national recruiting analyst noted. “The vibe around that visit was different. The connection is real.”

What Lamar is Looking For

When asked what factors would determine his decision, Lamar didn’t talk about uniforms or stadiums. Instead, he listed development, honesty, and alignment.

“I want a school that’s going to develop me on and off the field. A coaching staff that keeps it real, and a program where everyone’s on the same page,” he said.

It’s clear Lamar is approaching the process with maturity, knowing that the decision he makes will shape not only his football career but his life trajectory.

A Decision Timeline

Lamar has hinted that he wants to make a decision before the start of his senior season this fall. That gives him the summer to finish his visits, compare programs, and reflect with his family.

“I want to be locked in going into the season,” Lamar stated. “No distractions. Just ball.”

This makes the next six to eight weeks crucial for Miami and other top programs hoping to land one of the best backs in the country.

The Hurricanes have made a compelling pitch, and judging by Jae Lamar’s words and reactions, they’ve emerged as a top contender. The energy of the visit, the bond with the coaching staff, and the vision for his role in the offense all align with what Lamar is looking for in a program.

While there’s still work to do and other schools in play, Miami may have done exactly what it needed to — show Jae Lamar that he’s not just wanted, but needed.

As the Hurricanes continue their aggressive push on the recruiting trail, adding a top-5 running back like Lamar would send a message to the rest of college football: Miami is back in the business of landing elite talent — and building a team that’s ready to compete for titles.