The Hurricanes have landed a consensus top-10 tight end in the 2026 class with Israel Briggs announcing his commitment this afternoon, making it four commits in four days for Miami’s 2026 class.
It came down to Miami and LSU for the four-star talent from California, who was previously committed to Arizona State before commiting in April.
At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, at the moment Briggs is essentially a jumbo-WR who will transition into a tight end with some added weight in college.
Briggs has consistently demonstrated natural hand catches which are followed by open field moves. Moreover he is very versatile, playing on both sides of the field showcasing his athleticism at multiple positions (he even kick returned for his high school team). And his talent really shined against national competition in the 7-on-7 scene , consistently making big plays and finding himself open. But Briggs was also a highlight machine, bringing down acrobatic contested catches at will.
Following his official visit, he spoke with me on how the staff planned to use him:
“I like how they used Elijah Arroyo, flexing him out, attaching, really can do all around, attack vertically,” said Briggs.
"I'm more of a route runner, I'm not gonna lie to you. I'm not gonna sit up here saying I'm a good blocker, that's where coach Woodiel will come in.”
And while they might not be the same physically yet, I can see Briggs developing into the role Arroyo thrived in last year — a nightmare matchup that can explode for big plays across the middle. (Keep in mind Arroyo came in at the same height and only ten pounds heavier than Briggs as a freshman).
Briggs was a priority for coach Woodiel and the staff, who were thrilled to beat the Tigers for his commitment. Again, this is a guy who can really open up the playbook for an offense with his route-running and matchup ability, a big time get.
With Briggs’ commitment the Hurricanes now have seventeen commits in the 2026 class as he joins QB Dereon Coleman, RB Javian Mallory, and WR Vance Spafford in the offensive skill position room.
“They call it tight end U for a reason!”
