Mario Cristobal targets a massive recruiting haul as the Miami Hurricanes trend toward landing Jacksonville’s elite duo, five-star edge Asher Ghioto and powerhouse back Xander Edwards.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Hurricanes’ 2027 recruiting class is near completion and ranked among the nation’s best. Despite having only 20 commits – fewer than Florida and Oklahoma – the group continuously stands ahead of them. It presents Mario Cristobal, Football Executive Dennis Smith, and the rest of the staff to look ahead to 2028.
The Hurricanes have a slight edge with a couple of commits from the class: four-star offensive tackle Kweli Fielder and three-star quarterback Knox Annis. However, a couple of elite prospects could be on the verge of joining.
According to 247Sports’ Zach Blostein, the Hurricanes are crystal balled to land five-star edge rusher Asher Ghioto and four-star running back Xander Edwards. Both attend The Bolles School – a private institution – located in Jacksonville. Blostein primarily covers Florida recruiting and the high-school teammates could be looking towards a new home in Coral Gables.
Edwards is listed at 6-1, 210 pounds, and ranked 117th nationally, seventh among running backs, and 17th among Florida prospects, according to 247Sports Composite. As a sophomore, he rushed 265 times for 2,629 yards, scoring 44 touchdowns in 15 games.
The Hurricanes have a preference in recruiting big and powerful running backs – Mark Fletcher Jr. is a prime example. However, securing Ghioto’s commitment would be significant for the program’s future. Given the recent talent produced at the edge rusher position, including All-American Rueben Bain Jr., an addition to the trend could be on the horizon.
As a sophomore, Ghioto logged 84 total tackles, 65 solos and 19 assists, 35 tackles for loss, 23 sacks, and an interception in two passes defended in 15 games. He’s ranked third nationally, the best edge rusher and third-best player from Florida, according to 247Sports Composite.
Several other programs have presented scholarship offers, including the Gators, Clemson Tigers, Alabama Crimson Tide, Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Oregon, etc. The Hurricanes face elite competition, but that’s nothing new.
Both Jacksonville prospects have made several unofficial visits to the Coral Gables campus and facility. If the Hurricanes manage to secure both in-state talents, it puts them in a great position in the early stages of the 2028 recruiting trail. A commitment could happen at any moment.
Ghioto and Edwards will likely evaluate several other options, including out-of-state programs.
The Hurricanes have an appealing staff who will stay in contect with both prospects. It’s off to the races, but the University of Miami is looking to be in a great position to start.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
