The Miami Hurricanes are making a strong push to flip four-star safety Tedarius Hughes from his commitment to Florida State. Head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff have been aggressively recruiting the South Dade High School standout, hoping to convince him to stay home and play for the Hurricanes.
Hughes, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound safety from Homestead, Florida, committed to Florida State on July 4, 2024. Ranked as the No. 56 player in Florida and the No. 28 safety nationally in the 2026 recruiting class, he has remained a top target for multiple programs despite his pledge to the Seminoles. Miami and Syracuse have been the two programs pushing hardest for a flip, with both schools securing upcoming official visits.
Miami and Syracuse are heavily pursuing Florida State 4-star safety commit Tedarius Hughes, @ChadSimmons_ reports👀
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) March 4, 2025
“I still want to weigh options.”
Read: https://t.co/N7L0MRHQgP pic.twitter.com/I6qrQ6woDK
According to On3, Hughes is set to visit Miami from May 30 to June 1, 2025, marking a crucial opportunity for the Hurricanes to make their case. The visit aligns with Miami’s push to strengthen its secondary, as they will be hosting several other top defensive back prospects during that time.
One of the key factors in Hughes’ recruitment will be Miami’s defensive coaching staff. Miami hired defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman as well as secondary coaches Zac Etheridge and Will Harris for 2025. Despite the changes, Hughes has expressed a willingness to get to know the new staff and see how he would fit into the Hurricanes’ defensive scheme.
Syracuse is also a legitimate contender in this battle, with an official visit scheduled for June 6, 2025. While the Orange may be considered an underdog compared to Miami and Florida State, their persistence and ability to offer a unique opportunity could play a role in Hughes' decision-making process.
For Florida State, keeping Hughes in their class will be a priority. However, with Miami pushing hard and Hughes open to exploring his options, the Hurricanes have a real chance to pull off a major recruiting win.
Hughes’ trip to Coral Gables in late May could be a turning point, and if Miami can make a strong impression, Cristobal and his staff may be able to complete the flip add another elite player to their 2026 class.