Mario Cristobal bolsters the trenches by beating out LSU and Virginia Tech for the Texas powerhouse, citing a deep brotherhood and elite NFL development in Coral Gables.
Miami, FL. – The Miami Hurricanes' 2027 recruiting class continues to be a work in progress, especially with the uncertainty surrounding five-star offensive tackle Mark Matthews. Regardless, other prospects were looking to join the group, including four-star defensive lineman Ezekiel Ayangbile. He currently attends Langham Creek High School, a public institution located in Houston, Texas.
Ayangbile was drawn to three programs ahead of Friday’s commitment announcement: LSU Tigers, Virginia Tech Hokies, and Hurricanes. After careful consideration, he decided to start playing collegiate football in Coral Gables, Florida. The four-star prospect played a video recording of coach Mario Cristobal sharing a welcoming message.
“What's up [Ezekial], it’s coach Cristobl,” he said. “Can’t wait to get you down here, brother. The trench is about to get to work and it’s been a long time coming.”
After the video played, Ayangbile held up two glowing orange and green balls.
“It all came down to connection,” he said. “I think I truly had a bond with the coaches that was more like a brotherhood than just a transactional relationship. That was the case with both the other schools in my options, but I truly think that Miami is the place for me… I’m very excited to work with them and I think that they’re going to take me to the next level in my game. I think they’re going to develop me into a great NFL players within three years, maybe four.”
Ayanbile is listed at 6-3, 275 pounds, and ranked 179th nationally, 21st among defensive linemen, and 25th in the state of Texas for the 2027 class, according to Rivals Industry Rankings. He received interest and scholarship offers from numerous programs, including the Florida Gators, Ohio State Buckeyes, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Ole Miss Rebels, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Arkansas Razorbacks, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Houston Cougars, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders, and North Texas Mean Green, among several others.
Despite having multiple opportunities to play close to home, Ayangbile stated that faith in God led him throughout the process and the decision.
The four-star recruit logged 90 total tackles, 42 solos and 48 assists, 15 tackles for loss, six sacks, and nine hurries in 17 games over two seasons as a sophomore and junior, according to MaxPreps.
Ayangbile will take on an opportunity to learn under defensive line coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor and defensive tackles coach Damione Lewis.
The Hurricanes are up to 10 hard commits for the 2027 class, looking to add more along the trail.
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