Four-star safety Cortez Redding commits to Miami

The Miami Hurricanes have landed their first safety in the 2026 class, securing the commitment of four-star defensive back Cortez Redding.

An athletic safety from Jonesboro, Ga., Redding is listed at 6-foot, 175 pounds. And while he’s likely closer to 5’10 by my estimates in person, Redding certainly doesn’t play like an undersized safety — unafraid of contact and consistently making plays in the middle of the field.



Going through his film, there’s a lot to like about this pickup. From hard hits to lightning quick breaks on the ball, Redding’s athleticism is abundantly clear.

And while he might be more “raw” at this stage than some other former targets, his traits are just as promising – if not better in some aspects.

I spoke to Redding following his official visit back in June, here’s what he had to say on the staff and possibly joining ‘Cane commit/Jonesboro teammate Jontavius Wyman in Miami:

“Coach Zac, Coach Will, Coach Cristobal: all good guys. They all have track records of having good players,” said Redding.

“I feel all of them actually know what they're talking about, so I believe in them guys. Miami made a good impression for me.”

“[Miami] definitely lived up to all the expectations that he said, it's a great place to be at. I had fun, a lot of fun down here, so it was a great place.”



Miami beat out the likes of Ole Miss, NC State and Indiana for the Jonesboro product as Miami has now landed two defensive backs from the Georgia high school.

Redding becomes the twenty-second player in Miami’s 2026 class, joining a defensive back room of Jaelen Waters, Camdin Portis, Brody Jennings and Jontavius Wyman.

After missing out on other safety targets with Devin Jackson, Blake Stewart, and Tyriq Green all committing elsewhere, Miami has expanded the board at the safety position.

New offers have been sent out to Georgia natives Markell Taylor, Jowell Combay, and Tony Forney, alongside circling back on Indiana commit Jamar Owens.

With the season just over a month away, expect the Hurricanes to add more to their secondary room.