CHARLES COMMITS TO THE “U!” The University of Miami Hurricanes football team received a 2026 commit from edge defender Asharri “Bam” Charles.

In a move that sent an electric jolt through Coral Gables and reverberated across the national recruiting landscape, class of 2026 edge defender Asharri “Bam” Charles has officially announced his commitment to the University of Miami. One of the most coveted defensive players in the nation, Charles made his decision public through a tightly-produced social media video posted on Friday evening, ending a high-stakes recruiting battle that featured heavyweights like Georgia, Alabama, Florida State, and Texas.

Charles, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound edge rusher out of St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, is ranked by most recruiting services as a top-25 national prospect and among the top three edge defenders in the 2026 cycle. Known for his explosive first step, relentless motor, and rare blend of speed and power, Charles has been a dominant force on the high school gridiron since his sophomore season, where he tallied 17.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss. His junior campaign only solidified his status, racking up double-digit sacks again while showcasing an improved pass-rush arsenal that left opposing quarterbacks scrambling for answers.

His nickname, “Bam,” is as much about his physicality as it is his personality — a quiet off-field presence who transforms into a violent playmaker the moment he lines up. On the field, he’s a chaos agent. Off it, he’s a calm, thoughtful teen with a purpose and a plan.

And now, that plan includes donning the orange and green of “The U.”

“I’m home,” Charles said simply in his commitment video, wearing a vintage Sean Taylor jersey and standing in front of the Miami skyline. “It’s time to bring the U back.”

For Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, this commitment represents a massive win on multiple fronts. It’s a triumph of relationships, vision, and persistence. From the moment Charles emerged as a rising sophomore, Miami made him a top priority. Cristobal personally attended one of his games during the 2023 season. Guidry, himself a Louisiana native, built a tight bond with Charles and his family, making weekly contact and emphasizing how Charles would be the centerpiece of Miami’s defensive future.

“This is a program that believes in me and wants to unleash me,” Charles said in a post-commitment interview. “Coach Guidry showed me what my role would be. Not just as a player — but as a leader, as someone who could help change the culture. I didn’t want to be just another number at a big school. I wanted to build something.”

Charles’ recruitment was anything but low-profile. Alabama hosted him for multiple unofficial visits and was widely believed to be the frontrunner for much of 2024. Georgia’s defensive track record also made the Bulldogs a tempting option, especially after Charles posted on X (formerly Twitter) a photo of himself wearing a Georgia uniform captioned “business decision?” But behind the scenes, Miami remained steady, strategic, and unwavering.

Recruiting analysts say Charles’ commitment is a program-defining moment for the Hurricanes. This is the kind of player that Alabama or Georgia usually locks in by this point in the cycle. For Miami to not only stay in the race but win it — despite back-to-back 7-6 seasons — speaks volumes about Cristobal’s recruiting tenacity and the broader appeal of what the Hurricanes are building.

“This is the kind of guy you build a defense around,” one Power Five coach said anonymously. “He’s a freak athlete, no question. But he’s also smart, disciplined, and nasty on the field. He wants to dominate. He doesn’t just rush — he disrupts.”

What makes Charles unique, beyond his physical gifts, is his refinement. Most high school edge defenders succeed on raw athleticism. Charles already displays nuanced hand usage, an understanding of leverage, and awareness of blocking schemes that far exceeds his age. His ability to bend around the edge, maintain his pad level, and convert speed to power is elite. Multiple evaluators have said his game tape resembles that of a third-year college starter more than a high school junior.

“Bam Charles is a future first-rounder,” said one national recruiting analyst. “He’s long, he’s twitchy, and he finishes plays. But what separates him is his motor. He doesn’t take plays off. That’s what NFL scouts notice. Every single snap matters to him.”

Off the field, Charles has earned praise for his humility, leadership, and academic performance. He’s a team captain at St. Augustine and is involved in mentorship programs for underclassmen. His high school coach, Damon Hughes, has been outspoken about Charles’ impact beyond football.

“Bam is a blessing. I’ve coached a lot of talented kids, but very few like him. He brings others with him. He’s a multiplier. You win games with players like that, but you win championships with young men like that,” Hughes said.

His commitment also sends a message to recruits across the country: Miami is not just talking about rebuilding — they’re doing it. Over the past two recruiting cycles, Cristobal has stacked back-to-back top-10 classes. But Charles could be the crown jewel of the 2026 group, especially if Miami can hold onto him through signing day. He represents a tipping point — the rare five-star edge defender choosing Miami over the blue bloods who have dominated this space for the better part of a decade.

More importantly, his commitment may trigger a domino effect. Word among South Florida insiders is that multiple four-star defenders who have listed Miami among their top schools are now seriously considering jumping aboard. A pair of highly regarded defensive backs from IMG Academy and Miami Central are expected to visit Coral Gables next month, and Charles’ pledge only adds fuel to the fire.

“There’s a movement,” Charles said. “And I wanted to be one of the first to say, ‘I believe.’ If I can get to the quarterback, we’re going to win games. But I’m not coming alone. I want to bring dogs with me.”

He’s already begun recruiting others behind the scenes. His connections with fellow Louisiana prospects and elite talent in Georgia and Florida have given Miami a growing network of 2026 targets now reconsidering their options. Some have already reposted Charles’ announcement with cryptic eyes emojis and “#CanesFam” captions.

And for Cristobal, this is exactly what he envisioned when he took the Miami job. A chance to reestablish The U not just as a brand of the past, but as a legitimate powerhouse built on trench dominance and NFL-caliber development. Charles checks every box: he’s athletic, productive, hungry, and Miami chose him as much for who he is off the field as who he is on it.

Now comes the next challenge — holding onto him until signing day. Miami fans know all too well how volatile the recruiting landscape can be, especially when a blue-chip recruit emerges early and the bluebloods refuse to back down. But early indications are that Charles is locked in.

“I’m not playing the flip game,” he said firmly. “I’ve made my choice. I’m solid. The work starts now.”

He plans to enroll early, which would get him into Miami’s program by January 2026. That would give him an immediate chance to compete for a rotational role in his freshman year — especially with Miami expected to lose at least two edge defenders to the NFL after the 2025 season. Coaches reportedly view Charles as someone who could make an instant impact on special teams and third-down packages.

For now, the Hurricanes are celebrating. They’ve landed their alpha.

Asharri “Bam” Charles isn’t just a recruit. He’s a statement. A declaration that Miami isn’t waiting on permission to be great again — they’re taking it.

And as Charles himself said in his announcement: “This is just the beginning.”