This won't be everyone's favorite update, but I need to give it like I get it.
Bottom line- I don't get the sense we're headed for a blockbuster two weeks. The message I'm getting is that the plan is to win key some battles, go into the season with a healthy class, perform on the field, and then take it to the next level with flips.
We saw that happen in the Class of 2024, and we saw it go the other way in 2025. So we'll see. This is a unique era in college football. There's a sense that if they go for broke now, they'll be in a worse position down the stretch and potentially create issues within the roster. But they also need to go into the season with a high-enough floor. Here's the latest:
- I continue to get confidence on RB Derrek Cooper (Chaminade). He remains the top target on the board.
- I"m getting less confidence on WR Tristen Keys (Hattiesburg, MS) than last week. As we've said, this is a high-profile recruitment with every school thinking they have a chance. Miami will continue to push until the end.
- Nobody has any clue where WR Calvin Russell (Northwestern) is headed. One of the more up-in-the-air recruitments in a while.
- The Canes are battling hard on S Blake Stewart (Atlanta). Clemson is a top contender but it's not a foregone conclusion by any means. He is a big priority.
- OL Breck Kolojay (IMG) is continuing with his process. He was pretty candid in his last interview with on3 that he's monitoring NIL deals and weighing different factors between Miami, Georgia and USC. That's a very professional process and Miami is battling.
- Miami has a good chance to flip CB Brody Jennings (Jacksonville). They have coveted him throughout this process.
- TE Heze Kent (Brunswick, GA) is still communicating with our staff. Texas and Florida are in there but Miami is alive. TE Zachery Turner (Dallas) is trending away after SMU took its financial commitment to another level.
- The Canes are also in the mix for DL Bryce Perry-Wright (Atlanta). That one is up in the air and will be decided over the next few days.
- On the football side, there is huge confidence from those observing workouts. They believe this is the best, most complete roster we've had in the Cristobal era by a good amount. I continue to hear rave reviews about Carson Beck's arm talent and overall skillset.
peel again
