'26 LB Justin "JJ" Edwards Flips to Miami from Rutgers

Sebastian Font

Jun 21, 2025 2 min read

Corey Hetherman has landed his first linebacker as the defensive coordinator at UM with 2026 JJ Edwards out of Orlando, Florida; flipping him from Rutgers.

A 6’1, 200 pound linebacker, Edwards excels with how he reads the game. He’s one of those linebackers that has discipline in following the ball, not getting overly caught up in the blockers.

Moreover, one of the intriguing aspects of his profile is his speed. Edwards ran a 4.57 verified time at the Under Armour camp, and it translates to game speed. He’s able to hold his own with receivers and keep up well, while simultaneously having the strength to shed blockers in the run game.

His testing numbers are elite across the board, combine that with his measureables and it becomes clear why Edwards was a must-get for the linebacker room. Edwards is seriously going to rise throughout his senior season all the way up to his arrival on campus next year.

The Edgewater product was offered after his unofficial visit back in April, and felt Miami “shocked him” upon his visit.

When speaking to him after his unofficial visit, Edwards elaborated on that shock factor and why Miami jumped to the top of his recruitment.

“They [Coach Cristobal and Hetherman] loved my film, and I loved their plan for me.”

He also gave insight to the roles that linebackers under Hetherman have, especially with how they’re spread across the field. Edwards loved what Hetherman had in store for him.

As previously mentioned, Edwards committed to Rutgers in early June, but the staff felt extremely positive about a flip back to Florida for the Orlando product who officially visited last weekend. This was a flip I also felt was inevitable, especially considering how Rutgers typically doesn't let their commits take OV's to other schools.

He becomes the fourteenth commit in Miami’s rapidly growing 2026 class, joining Jordan Campbell in the linebacker room. I expect more movement for the Hurricanes in the coming week, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

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Comments (171)

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Calinative

Jun 21, 2025

No_Fly_Zone said:
What is UM football's 2025 budget for LBs?

Hopefully less than 7% of our Total Spend for the entire position group.

No_Fly_Zone

Jun 21, 2025

Calinative said:
Idk what Lashlee makes. maybe someone like @htownkidd knows or has a good idea?

Though I believe (not entirely sure) his previous deal was around $4M and that was before SMU even joined the ACC, and before just getting a new contract from SMU after this past season ended. Id expect $6M maybe?

But it's good to know you'd prefer to be a what fringe Top 30 program at best when it comes to HC pay? I'll take Mario and the extra NIL commitment that he brings to the table.

SMU
Years in ACC? 1.
ACCCG appearances? 1.
CFP appearances? 1.

Calinative

Jun 21, 2025

bdcane4eva said:
Corey flagg could bench press this guy...

I'd hope every single member of our roster could bench press this guy.

No_Fly_Zone

Jun 21, 2025

Calinative said:
Hopefully less than 7% of our Total Spend for the entire position group.

There it is.

grover

Jun 21, 2025

DMoney said:
The 6'1 is verified. He was 194 in February at the camp (my biggest concern) but I believe he was heavier on his visit. The number I was told was "Top 5 percentile tester" as compared to LBs.

That said, he needs to show up on campus in six months closer to 210.

Not worried at all. Outside of WRs and DBs, it's totally normal for football players to gain 10+ pounds between mid junior year and mid senior year when they're lifting and working out.

Last edited: Jun 21, 2025

Calinative

Jun 21, 2025

JHallCanes said:
Agreed. Take an undersized kid like Cam Pruitt who ******* decleats people when he hits them. Big difference. Not down on this kid specifically I don’t know enough about him

Give me whichever one is more intelligent.

Calinative

Jun 21, 2025

No_Fly_Zone said:
SMU
Years in ACC? 1.
ACCCG appearances? 1.
CFP appearances? 1.

And?

Calinative

Jun 21, 2025

No_Fly_Zone said:
There it is.

There what is lol. You'd like to spend more at LB to get higher rated recruits. I'm fine with the current rating level of LB we are getting, because we are spending a lot more at DT/EDGE and obviously so, which is the correct decision. and currently a **** load at DB... as far as defense

Gables Canes

Jun 21, 2025

Reyrey said:
2025 all 3 WR were 4 stars. The LB, was 1/2.
2024 all 3 WR were 4 stars. The LB was 2/2 four stars

So we are 6/6 at WR and 3/4 at LB. I’m no mathematician, but that’s 90% blue chip at those positions.

Good point. I’m just concerned about the overall recruiting trend and development (at LB) of these two positions rooms.

BALLHAWKU

Jun 21, 2025

JHallCanes said:
It’s possible I suppose

Just saying Heathermans specialty is linebackers so if he’s got a type he envisions I’m willing to kick back and see how it plays out

Lord knows we have been terrible recruiting the position for a long time

Yeah I like to get barrows back at lb coach .

Rellyrell

Jun 21, 2025

Reyrey said:
2025 all 3 WR were 4 stars. The LB, was 1/2.
2024 all 3 WR were 4 stars. The LB was 2/2 four stars

So we are 6/6 at WR and 3/4 at LB. I’m no mathematician, but that’s 90% blue chip at those positions.

This is a bit incorrect:

2024:
LB - Hayes (4* #8 LB in the nation)
LB - Pruitt (3* #45 LB in the National)

2025:
LB - Wiley Jr (4* #27 LB in the nation)
LB - Marcelin Jr (3* #56 LB in the nation)

Portal Class:
2024:
-3* Alderman

2025:
-3* Toure
-3* Bonner

Also as I’ve explained many times, there’s levels to blue chips. It’s not just 4*, it’s the quality. To be blunt, the recruiting sites have become more participation trophy vs. true blue chips. Previously, u had to be within the first 330th nationally ranked player to earn a 5* - 4*. That’s no longer the case, & blue chips have been grossly watered down.

Class of 2025 WR:
-Moore (4* #17 WR in the nation)
-Toney (4* #49 WR in the nation)
-Upshaw (4* #68 WR in the nation)

So yes, technically, the latter two are blue chips, but their composite ratings are in the 80’s. Once u have that, it’s basically an old school high 3*. The truest blue chip WRs r:
-JoJo
-Carr
-Moore
-Robinson

Calinative

Jun 21, 2025

Reyrey said:
He has played lb for one year. Tested at a really really high percentile. I bet you by signing day he is a massive riser.

6’1 80” wingspan. 4.57 40 and 4.22 shuttle

Right now:

Calinative

Jun 21, 2025

Rellyrell said:
This is a bit incorrect:

2024:
LB - Hayes (4* #8 LB in the nation)
LB - Pruitt (3* #45 LB in the National)

2025:
LB - Wiley Jr (4* #27 LB in the nation)
LB - Marcelin Jr (3* #56 LB in the nation)

Portal Class:
2024:
-3* Alderman

2025:
-3* Toure
-3* Bonner

Also as I’ve explained many times, there’s levels to blue chips. It’s not just 4*, it’s the quality. To be blunt, the recruiting sites have become more participation trophy vs. true blue chips. Previously, u had to be within the first 330th nationally ranked player to earn a 5* - 4*. That’s no longer the case, & blue chips have been grossly watered down.

Class of 2025 WR:
-Moore (4* #17 WR in the nation)
-Toney (4* #49 WR in the nation)
-Upshaw (4* #68 WR in the nation)

So yes, technically, the latter two are blue chips, but their composite ratings are in the 80’s. Once u have that, it’s basically an old school high 3*. The truest blue chip WRs r:
-JoJo
-Carr
-Moore
-Robinson

3
3FW

Jun 21, 2025

Schiano and Heatherman like him, I am good.

The Sphinx

Jun 21, 2025

Good pick up. Super athletic and fast. And for those worried he’s only 200 pounds - he will be a perfect sideline to sideline 225 pound WLB in two years. Book it.

Just be glad we are no longer bringing in 200 pound DEs who have never played the LB position.

No_Fly_Zone

Jun 21, 2025

Calinative said:
There what is lol. You'd like to spend more at LB to get higher rated recruits. I'm fine with the current rating level of LB we are getting, because we are spending a lot more at DT/EDGE and obviously so, which is the correct decision. and currently a **** load at DB... as far as defense

I'll try and put this in a way you might understand...

Lol. You do not know what UM is budgeting. Lol. At any position. You (LoL) speak definitively about it, lol, at times. But, lol, you clearly, lol, don't know, lol.

lindend

Jun 21, 2025

Joins Tyrans Evans as a previously unannounced visitor this weekend.

Calinative

Jun 21, 2025

No_Fly_Zone said:
I'll try and put this in a way you might understand...

Lol. You do not know what UM is budgeting. Lol. At any position. You (LoL) speak definitively about it, lol, at times. But, lol, you clearly, lol, don't know, lol.

I know the quality of recruit we are getting, and I agree with the quality we are getting at LB. Thus I say we don't need to spend MORE on LB. Pretty simple LOL