Miami and Mario Cristobal feel closer than ever to landing 5-star OL fans really want

According to On3's EJ Holland, Miami came out of 305 Day leading for five notable targets on the Rivals Recruiting Prediction Machine, and the biggest name on that list is Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas five-star offensive tackle Mark Matthews. The RPM now gives Miami a 93.7% chance to land Matthews, who is ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle and the No. 3 overall prospect nationally. 

Cristobal has built his reputation on offensive line play, and Miami signed the No. 1 overall prospect and No. 1 offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell in the 2026 cycle. If the Hurricanes can follow that by landing Matthews in 2027, it would be a monumental victory for the program.

Miami favored to land five-star offensive tackle Mark Matthews

Matthews is not expected to rush the process as he plans to make his decision after summer official visits. Georgia, LSU, Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas A&M are among the schools standing out in his recruitment.

305 Day gave Miami traction across the board with recruits, not just with Matthews. Miami also leads for Plantation American Heritage quarterback Neimann Lawrence, a 2028 prospect who could reclassify to 2027 and is ranked No. 4 nationally at quarterback, with a 39.1% RPM.

Miami also holds big RPM leads for Key West defensive lineman Josh Johnson at 94.5%, North Miami Beach defensive back Andre Hyppolite at 96.8%, and Columbus athlete A'Mir Sears at 97.3%. Sears, like Lawrence, is also exploring a move into the 2027 class.

The Hurricanes recently moved into the top 10 of the Rivals Industry team recruiting rankings (No. 7 in the nation and No. 1 in the ACC) after Nick Lennear committed on Thursday night. Miami now has five 2027 commits: receiver Ah'Mari Stevens, safety Jaylyn Jones, offensive lineman Zaquan Linton, tight end Demarcus Deroche and Lennear.