The Miami Hurricanes have secured a spot in the top five schools for Justice Fitzpatrick, a highly touted cornerback prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. Fitzpatrick, a standout at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, announced his list which includes Miami, Georgia, Florida, Ohio State and Texas.
Fitzpatrick, the younger brother of NFL All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, is ranked as the No. 4 cornerback and No. 34 overall prospect nationally in the 2026 class, according to On3. Standing at 6-foot and weighing 185 pounds, he has earned varsity playing time since his freshman year at St. Thomas Aquinas.
Miami's coaching staff, particularly head coach Mario Cristobal, has been actively involved in Fitzpatrick's recruitment. Fitzpatrick noted Cristobal's personal engagement, stating, "A big part for me and my family is always the head coach, and we know Coach Cristobal is a great dude. He has been a big part of my recruitment, which isn’t always a normal thing for most head coaches. He’s made it clear that he wants me there and feels like he kind of needs me there."
In addition to Cristobal's efforts, Miami's defensive backs coaches Zac Etheridge and Will Harris have played significant roles in recruiting Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick's recruitment is highly competitive, with other top programs vying for his commitment. Georgia, for instance, has caught his attention due to its pedigree and the level of coaching its defensive backs receive. Fitzpatrick expressed interest in the Bulldogs, stating that "the pedigree as a program, the level of play and coaching the defensive backs get excites him regarding his own potential."
Alabama and Ohio State also look to be strong contenders but for different reasons. Fitzpatrick's brother, Minkah Fitzpatrick, played for the Crimson Tide and Ohio State is coming off of a national championship.
The Hurricanes currently hold commitments from several blue-chip prospects, including cornerbacks Camdin Portis, Jaelen Waters, and Jontavius Wyman. Adding Fitzpatrick to this cohort would make Miami's secondary a force in the coming years. Fitzpatrick has scheduled official visits to each of his top five schools, with Miami's visit set for June 5.