One of the biggest fan reactions to Miami punching their ticket to the national championship game actually came from elite South Florida receiver Nick Lennear, a top Miami target in the 2027 class. A social media clip that was posted showed Lennear getting hype watching the Hurricanes finish off Ole Miss and clinch their spot in the title game.
Nick Lennear born to be a cane.
— Top Tier Miami (@TopTierCanes) January 9, 2026
Go ahead and make that official. pic.twitter.com/VwidSB62ZB
5-star WR Nick Lennear
Lennear has been in the national spotlight this week at the Navy All-American Bowl in Texas, and On3 reported he has trimmed his recruitment to five finalists: Miami, Florida State, LSU, Syracuse and Texas A&M. He is ranked No. 25 nationally and No. 5 at wide receiver in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.
Lennear is listed at 6-foot, 165 pounds and he has built a reputation as a vertical threat who can also move around the formation.
He logged 42 catches for 778 yards and 12 touchdowns during his sophomore season at Miami Northwestern in 2024. In 2025, he again played snaps on both sides of the ball, this time registering a state title game performance that included six catches for 135 yards and a touchdown.
Lennear is transferring from Northwestern to Carol City for his senior season. He attended Miami's season-opening win over Notre Dame, which helped spark buzz around the Canes as a serious contender in his recruitment.
Miami defeated Ole Miss 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl
The Hurricanes beat Ole Miss 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal, with Carson Beck capping a late game-winning drive on a 3-yard touchdown run with 18 seconds left. The win sends Miami to the CFP title game at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 19, with a chance at the program's first national title since 2001.
The Hurricanes survived a fourth-quarter scare and still found the answer at the end.