Miami and Mario Cristobal on verge of landing local 5-star WR after beating Notre Dame

Sunday night felt like a program-defining moment, and recruits definitely noticed.
Notre Dame v Miami
Notre Dame v Miami | Michael Pimentel/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Sunday night felt like a program-defining moment, and recruits definitely noticed. No. 10 Miami’s 27–24 win over No. 6 Notre Dame came in front of 66,793 at Hard Rock Stadium and included a composed line from debut starter Carson Beck (20 of 31, 205 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT) and a freshman jolt from Malachi Toney (6–82–1). The Irish were held to 94 rushing yards (3.5 per carry), and Miami closed with back-to-back sacks. That’s the kind of prime-time tape staffs love to recruit off.

Ahead of kickoff, Miami expected nearly 100 visitors and 28 top-100 prospects for the opener; by Monday, multiple Rivals/On3 reports described the night as a clear recruiting bounce. Rivals' Steve Wiltfong then logged an expert prediction for Miami to land No. 3 WR (2027) Nick Lennear.

As a sophomore in 2024, posted 42 receptions, 778 yards, 12 TDs, plus a kick-return TD and a key interceptionplaying defense in the 3A state title win. He also hauled in a long TD during that championship rout of Jacksonville Raines (41–0).

Flip Watch Names

Five-star EDGE Anthony “Tank” Jones — an Oregon pledge — made a surprise Miami visit for the game, Texas five-star DL commit James “JJ” Johnson attended, five-star RB Derrek Cooper, committed to Texas, also visited for the opener and continues to keep dialogue open, while elite 2026 CB Justice Fitzpatrick (Georgia commit) remains a long-game target with Miami pushing. Five-star WR Calvin Russell — on campus to watch close friend Malachi Toney — drew fresh attention after Toney’s breakout and Miami could be a threat if his recruitment reopens.

Uncommitted Names

Among 2027 headliners tracking Miami closely: five-star EDGE Zyron Forstall, who had the Hurricanes on his visit plan for Aug. 31, and five-star OT Mark Matthews, who has discussed early Miami interest. Forstall later told reporters he liked how Miami deployed its pass rushers in the win and 2027 four-star TE Anthony Cartwright came away saying Miami is “definitely a top school” after experiencing the atmosphere in person.

Miami’s 2026 class sits No. 12 nationally in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings with 22 commitments and the No. 1 class in the ACC as of this week.