After decommitting from USC, dynamic playmaker Eli Woodard prepares to choose between three finalists as Mario Cristobal looks to bolster the Miami Hurricanes' elite third-ranked 2027 recruiting class.
MIAMI, Fla. – Although the Miami Hurricanes’ 2027 recruiting class is near its completion, there’s still room to fit extra talent. The group – currently with 19 total commits – is ranked third on 247Sports and On3’s national list. However, next week will feature a big decision involving the Coral Gables program.
It was reported on Wednesday that four-star wide receiver Eli Woodard will commit this upcoming Tuesday, June 30. After parting ways with the USC Trojans in late May, he’s eyeing a new home. Woodard has three finalists ahead of the decision: California Golden Bears, UCLA Bruins, and “The U.”
Coming from Chaparral High School – a public institution located in Temecula, California – Woodard caught 51 passes for 1,070 yards, scoring 17 touchdowns in 12 games as a junior. He played on special teams as a kick and punt returner, plus logging snaps at cornerback. Woodard stacked 32 total tackles, 19 solos and 13 assists, seven passes defended, and a 64-yard interception.
The versatile wide receiver is listed at 5-11, 180 pounds, and ranked 156th nationally, 23rd among the position, and 16th in the state of California for the 2027 class, according to Rivals Industry Rankings. He received scholarship offers from the Missouri Tigers, Oregon Ducks, Michigan Wolverines, Cincinnati Bearcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, and BYU Cougars.
After decommitting from USC, Woodward was allowed to take official visits with other programs, including the Coral Gables campus and facility on May 29. He was joined by future Hurricanes, such as five-star cornerback Donte Wright, four-star quarterback Israel Abrams, and five-star edge rusher Jaiden Bryant, along with several others.
Woodard has an opportunity to live across the country and become a part of a revived culture. Ahead of Tuesday’s announcement, On3 gives the Hurricanes a 97.4 percent chance of securing a commitment from him. Several insiders, including EJ Holland, predict Woodard will join “The U.” He’d be the program’s 12th top-200 recruit as part of the group.
Despite having fewer commits than the Florida Gators and Sooners, the Hurricanes have one of the nation’s best recruiting classes. It’s a display of how impactful it was to dominate the College Football Playoffs and reach the National Championship game. The program has become a desirable destination for several highly touted recruits, including Woodard.
The Hurricanes are trending towards a brighter future. Coach Mario Cristobal and the staff have completely turned “The U” around and aren’t looking back, but moving forward.
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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
