Mario Cristobal eyes another elite trench warrior as Detroit powerhouse Antijuan Wilkes Jr. puts the Miami Hurricanes' recruiting momentum to the test against the nation’s top collegiate programs.
Miami, Fla. – In near-completed form, the Miami Hurricanes’ 2027 recruiting class is looking to finish among the nation’s best in several rankings, especially after flipping five-star edge rusher Jaiden Bryant from LSU last Wednesday. The group consists of 18 commits, including 14 blue-chip prospects. A few scholarship spots remain open, but coach Mario Cristobal and the staff are delivering one of the best recruiting classes in program history to Coral Gables.
However, the task of high-school recruiting is constant. While 2027 is nearly done, it’s an opportunity to shift focus towards 2028. The Hurricanes currently have one commit for the foreseeable future class: Jacksonville native quarterback Knox Annis. It’s clearly in the early stages of the process, but a second commit could be coming around.
It was reported last Thursday that five-star offensive tackle Antijuan “Shaq” Wilkes Jr. is eyeing 12 programs, including the Hurricanes. He currently attends Cass Technical High School, a four-year public magnet institution located in Detroit, Michigan. Along with football, Wilkes Jr. plays basketball.
The highly touted prospect is 6-7, 280 pounds, and ranked 16th nationally, second among offensive tackles, and the best player in Michigan for the 2028 class, according to Rivals Industry Rankings. Along with the Hurricanes, the other 11 programs in the running are the Florida Gators, Alabama Crimson Tide, Oregon Ducks, Ohio State Buckeyes, Texas A&M Aggies, LSU Tigers, Tennessee Volunteers, Missouri Tigers, Michigan Wolverines, Georgia Bulldogs, and Michigan State Spartans.
Wilkes Jr. made several unofficial visits to both in-state campuses–having yet to travel down to Coral Gables. Regardless, as an offensive lineman, the Hurricanes are likely on his radar. The program has prioritized dominating matchups in the trenches since Mario Cristobal took over the helm in 2021.
In the 2026 NFL Draft, three former Hurricanes offensive linemen were selected within the 257 picks, plus center James Brockermeyer signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an unrestricted free agent. Among the draftees was All-American right tackle Francis Mauigoa, the No. 10 pick, selected by the New York Giants.
Wilkes Jr. is capable of playing on either side at tackle, but primarily sticks to the left.
There is still a long way to go before the five-star prospect can make a well-rounded decision. He has yet to visit the other outside-the-state finalists, except Ohio State University.
If the last couple of weeks can say anything, it’s that the Hurricanes have a way to lure recruits in.
- Several Miami Hurricanes baseball players earned All-ACC honors, including a few first-timers.
- The Miami Hurricanes basketball program is reportedly scheduled to open the upcoming season against an in-state rival.
- Coach Mario Cristobal believes the Miami Hurricanes should face an in-state rival every year.
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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
