4-star linebacker names Miami in top 4 schools and sets commitment date

Four‑star linebacker DQ Forkpa has narrowed his college decision down to four finalists: Florida, Florida State, Miami and Michigan. The IMG Academy standout also plans to make his choice on July 12. In the Georgia Class 6A playoffs this past season, he logged big-time performances including 11 total tackles (6 solo) against Douglas County, and 7 tackles plus 1 hurry versus Buford.

The 6‑foot-2, 235-pound Forkpa checks in at No. 346 overall and ranks as the No. 25 linebacker nationally in the 2026 cycle, according to On3’s Industry Rankings. He also ranks among the top 50 prospects in Florida. A Georgia native who transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, Forkpa took official visits to all four schools during June’s recruiting blitz.

Staff relationships are playing a huge role in his decision. On Florida, he praised coach Billy Napier’s leadership and values, noting he “liked his values and his morals” and appreciated the brotherhood he felt in Gainesville. On Miami, Forkpa said Hurricanes linebackers coach Corey Hetherman “has a defensive mind … I try to pick his brain and take something back … They have great people there, too.”

He also highlighted his connection with Florida State, saying his relationship with coach Mike Norvell “just goes to show their loyalty through the whole process,” despite staff turnover. Michigan — the lone out-of-state finalist — drew praise for its alumni network and post-football opportunities, with Forkpa calling Michigan’s support “a fallback” after the game.

If Forkpa chooses to Miami, the Hurricanes will add their third linebacker commit of the 2026 class. LB Jordan Campbell has been committed to the Hurricanes for a while now and LB Justin Edwards recently committed. Campbell is rated as a 4-star prospect by On3 (National ranking: 137, position ranking: 8, state ranking: 15) and Edwards is a 3-star prospect (National ranking: 707, position ranking: 53, state ranking: 94).