Mario Cristobal solidifies a top-ranked class as 18 verbal pledges lock in their commitments, though the Miami Hurricanes pivot away from local five-star linebacker Kaden Henderson.
MIAMI, Fla. – Within the last couple of weeks, the Miami Hurricanes’ 2027 recruiting class reached No. 2 nationally on both 247Sports and On3. After flipping five-star edge rusher Jaiden Bryant away from LSU, the entire program has put together a bright future that looks to remain competitive. Verbal commits are a trend in the right direction, but all 18 players shutting down their recruitments is even better.
According to 247Sports Composite, the Hurricanes secured six top-100 prospects, including local five-star wide receiver Nick Lennear. Following a historic 13-3 season, including the first National Championship appearance since 2003, executive director Dennis Smith and coach Mario Cristobal, along with the rest of the staff, have revived “The U.”
Without having to worry about any of the recruits taking any more official visits or talking to other programs, the Hurricanes can focus on putting the final touches on the 2027 recruiting class. However, it will not feature local five-star linebacker Kaden Henderson. According to On3, the University of Miami is moving on from recruiting him.
Henderson currently attends Tampa Jesuit High School, a private institution located in Hillsborough County. In three seasons, he stacked 219 total tackles, 136 solos and 83 assists, 29 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 29 hurries, nine passes defended, and three interceptions in 34 games, according to MaxPreps.
Although the shift isn’t entirely clear, the Hurricanes currently have a couple of linebackers, such as four-stars Aroson “AJ” Randle and Noah Glover, as part of the 2027 recruiting class.
Henderson is ranked 22nd nationally, the best linebacker, and third in the state of Florida, according to 247Sports Composite. He received interest and scholarship offers from the Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, Ohio State Buckeyes, Alabama Crimson Tide, Texas A&M Aggies, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Oregon Ducks, Georgia Bulldogs, Clemson Tigers, and LSU Tigers, among several others. He’s set to commit on July 1.
Despite taking an official visit to the Coral Gables campus and facility on May 29, along with several of the 2027 commits, Henderson will be playing collegiate football elsewhere.
The Hurricanes have one of the most talented recruiting classes in program history. It’s a testament to how much the program’s national image has changed. After years of mediocrity, “The U” is on a steady trajectory.
Although college sports can be unpredictable, especially with the transfer portal, the “brotherhood” – which is constantly raved about – is becoming a main attraction for the Coral Gables program.
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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
