Miami football 2023 class has most top 20 prospects

The 2023 Miami football class leads the nation with three top 20 commits. Miami has commitments from five-star prospects cornerback Cormani McClain and offensive tackles Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola. Okunlola announced his commitment to Miami on Thursday afternoon.

Alabama, Oregon and USC are the only other programs nationally with at least two commits ranked in the top 20. Miami is the only program nationally with two five-star players committed to its 2023 class at the same position. This is the first time since 2008 that Miami has had three five-star commits in the same class.

Mauigoa, McClain and Okunlola can all compete for snaps and to become starters immediately as true freshmen. Miami has 14 blue-chip commits. Miami has 11 four-star commits in addition to the Mauigoa, McClain and Okunlola. Expect Mario Cristobal and his staff to close strong during the Early National Signing Period.

Director Of Recruiting for 247Sports Steve Wiltfong called Okunlola “another potential program-changing recruiting win.” Wiltfong stated that Mauigoa and Okunlola are ready athletically and physically to play as true freshmen. Miami will return left tackle Zion Nelson who missed the entire 2022 season with an injury.

Miami has frequently been in the top 15 recruiting classes nationally. Commitments from Mauigoa, McClain and Okunlola make this class unique with Miami having the most elite of the 2023 class. The additions of Mauigoa and Okunlola also add depth to a Miami OL that was decimated by injuries in 2022.

After potentially signing a top-five class, Cristobal and his staff will work on transfers before mostly focusing on the 2024 class. The Miami football program signed the 16th best class in the 2022 247 Sports composite rankings. Cristobal significantly elevated the 2022 Miami class after he was hired in December 2021.

Miami began hosting transfers last weekend after the transfer portal opened on December 5. Kicker Abram Murray is the only commit Miami has in the 2024 class. Okunlola told ESPN he plans to enroll early to get more time to learn the Miami system and adjust to the speed in college.