Five-star 2026 wide receiver Calvin Russell, who promotes himself as a "Dual Sport Ath(lete)" on his X account, could help Jai Lucas and the Miami basketball team as much as Mario Cristobal and the football program. Russell reportedly wants to play basketball and football in college.
Russell is the 21st-ranked overall prospect, third WR and second player in Florida out of Miami Northwestern in the 2026 class. If Russell were solely a basketball prospect, he likely would be a highly sought-after recruit. Russell was the most productive basketball player for Northwestern in 2024-25.
Russell led Northwestern in field goal percentage, assists, blocks, rebounds and steals per game. In his junior season in 2024-25, Russell averaged 15.2 points per game, 8.0 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2.3 SPG and 1.3 BPG. Russell met with the Miami basketball and football staff during his official visit last weekend.
As a junior in 2024, Russell had 35 receptions for 645 yards and 11 touchdowns. At 6'5 and 195 pounds, Russell already has the ideal frame to play WR at the next level. The 247Sports scouting report from Andrew Ivins perfectly describes the dual-sport ability Russell has.
"Hulking wide receiver with above-the-rim athleticism that makes him a uniquely dangerous target, especially down in the red zone... measured over 6-foot-5 multiple times and is blessed with a near 6-foot-10 wingspan...A potential impact pass catcher for a College Football Playoff contender..One of those good-at-everything athletes that could legitimately play two spots in college as he’s also being recruited by basketball high majors."Andrew Ivins, 247Sports
On the basketball court, Russell has the ideal length to guard multiple positions. The production Russell had as a junior shows exceptional versatility. As Lucas rebuilds the Miami basketball roster from scratch, Russell would provide Miami with depth and a local star presence.
No 247Sports crystal balls have been logged for Russell. The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine lists LSU as the favorite for a commitment from Russell at 71.9 percent. Russell is announcing his commitment on July 5. Russell is taking his final official visit to Michigan this weekend.
Florida, LSU, Miami, Oregon and Florida State have previously hosted Russell for official visits. Russell is the highest-ranked uncommitted player in Florida and at WR and fourth overall in the 2026 class. Five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell is the only 2026 Miami commit rated higher than Russell.