Miami football tough sell with 3-star DT Jayden Jackson Saturday visit

The Miami football program has a tough sell for three-star defensive tackle Jayden Jackson who is visiting the Hurricanes on Saturday. Ohio State is the prohibitive favorite with a 90.7 percent chance for a commitment from Jackson per On3. Miami could have a chance due to two factors important to Jackson.

Jackson attends IMG Academy. Miami signed defensive lineman Jayden Wayne, offensive linemen Francis Mauigoa and Antonio Tripp and tight end Riley Williams in their 2023 class from IMG. Jackson is Polynesian and he and his mom have connected with Miami DL coach Joe Salave’a over their shared culture.

Jackson previously visited Miami in March. The 247 Sports composite rankings list Jackson as the 659th prospect, 62nd DL and 97th in Florida in 2024. Miami does not have any 2024 commits in their defensive front seven. Three-star safeties Dylan Day and Isaiah Thomas are the only Miami 2024 defensive commits.

Mario Cristobal has stated since he was hired in December 2021 that recruiting on the line of scrimmage will be a priority. Three-star offensive tackle Juan Minaya is the only player on the line of scrimmage Miami has committed for 2024. The Miami football program signed five OL and four DL in the 2023 class.

Jackson recently named a top five of Florida, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Texas. Nine Power Five programs have received visits from Jackson per On3. After the visit on Saturday Miami will become the third football program to receive multiple visits from Jackson. Apparently, Penn State is out of the running for a Jackson commitment.

Per On3 no official visits have been scheduled by Jackson. At 6’2 and 300 pounds Jackson already has a good build to anchor the middle of the DL. Miami could lose all of its top DTs following the 2023 season. Expect the Hurricanes to be actively recruiting DTs and through the transfer portal next year.