Mario Cristobal has to quickly turn the page from Monday's disappointing loss in the CFP Championship Game and get ready for a ton of recruiting, both in the transfer portal and in building the 2027 recruiting classes.
Among the Hurricanes' top targets will be safety Mehki Williams, a blue-chip prospect from the Tampa suburbs. Williams committed to Florida State last spring, but there's no question that he's interested in Miami.
Mario Cristobal and DC Corey Hetherman with Top247 S Mekhi Williams, a Florida State commit. https://t.co/EOa2AOzQt7 https://t.co/bK56FitNAP
— Gaby Urrutia (@GabyUrrutia247) January 22, 2026
Mario Cristobal focuses on flipping FSU recruit
Cristobal and defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman visited Williams at Lennard High School as most of the Hurricanes staff will be on the road visiting prospects during this evaluation period and preparing for the Junior Day events that will occupy most of the next five weeks before spring training camp begins.
Williams is widely considered one of the top safeties in the 2027 class and arguably the best in the state of Florida. His offer list has continued to grow over the past several months, with schools like Auburn and Georgia Tech jumping on board.
Hurricanes building 2027 class with in-state prospects
Cristobal wants to continue to grow pipelines for the Hurricanes roster within his backyard. Williams is going to be one of the top targets in the state along with other top talent like five-star offensive tackle Mark Matthews from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale.
Miami currently has four commits in the 2027 class and all four are from the South Florida region that the coach hopes to lock down. Four-star wide receiver Ah'Mari Stevens and four-star defensive back Jaylyn Jones both play high school football in nearby Hollywood. While four-star pass rusher Demarcus Deroche is in Fort Lauderdale and offensive tackle Zaquan Linton is in West Palm Beach.
Expect the Miami staff to continue to try to fill the roster with players from the talent-rich areas in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. According to 247Sports, the Hurricanes currently have a top-20 class for 2027, ranked No. 16 overall.