4-Star OT Johnnie Jones with Cam Ward during weekend Miami visit

Recruiting season is in full swing during the spring practices at the University of Miami. Four-star offensive tackle Johnnie Jones, one of the top prospects in the class of 2026, was on campus where he spent a little time with Miami’s former starting quarterback Cam Ward during a pivotal visit to Coral Gables.

Jones, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound mauler from Berkeley Prep in Tampa, Florida, is a top-20 offensive tackle nationally, according to 247Sports. He holds offers from programs across the country, including Florida State, Alabama, and Georgia, but the Hurricanes made a strong impression.

That connection with Ward, a projected top NFL Draft pick, added another layer to the visit. The two spent time together, and it’s clear the coaching staff is using Ward’s presence as both a teaching tool and a recruiting draw. Miami’s emphasis on trench play under head coach Mario Cristobal is no secret. Cristobal, a former offensive lineman himself, has put a premium on recruiting and developing elite linemen—and Jones fits that mold perfectly.

Jones would be a major addition to Miami’s 2026 class, which is shaping up with a strong foundation early in the cycle. The Hurricanes already have six commitments and one of them is offensive tackle, Ben Congdon. At 6-foot-7, 270 pounds, Congdon is an athletic tackle who Miami hopes to develop. This past weekend they also hosted Tradarian Ball, a 5-foot-9 running back from Texas who is currently committed to Oregon. Ball is ranked as the No. 5 RB nationally per the 247Sports Composite and had over 1,000 receiving yards last season.

The Hurricanes are also in pursuit of the No. 1 overall player in the country, offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell. He visited Miami earlier this month and praised the development culture Cristobal has created for offensive linemen. With a strong start to the 2026 class and a coaching staff that’s laser-focused on recruiting, Miami is positioning itself well for the future.