The Miami Hurricanes received a major recruiting boost Friday with the commitment of Atlanta-area safety Cortez Redding, a consensus four-star prospect in the class of 2026.
Redding, a standout from Jonesboro High School in Georgia, officially selected Miami over Indiana, NC State and Ole Miss. The 6-foot, 175-pound defensive back, ranked No. 24 among safeties and No. 290 overall in the 2026 class by 247Sports, becomes the Hurricanes' first safety commit in the cycle and their 22nd overall pledge.
BREAKING: Jonesboro (Ga.) four-star S Cortez Redding commits to Miami over NC State, Indiana, and Ole Miss.
— Gaby Urrutia (@GabyUrrutia247) July 25, 2025
The Canes now have 17 blue-chip prospects committed, according to the @247Sports Composite—the most of any class in the Mario Cristobal era.https://t.co/DsCk85UEmq pic.twitter.com/n4FFkpkhql
In his junior season, Redding tallied 118 tackles, including six tackles for loss, alongside three interceptions and 10 pass breakups. Evaluators praise him for his instincts in the box and ability to operate in nickel or deep safety roles.
Redding visited Coral Gables on May 30 and took official visits to all finalist schools in recent summer trips. High school teammate and fellow commit Jontavius Wyman reportedly played a role in helping move Redding toward Miami. Canes defensive staff, including Zac Etheridge, Will Harris and Terry Jefferson, were also integral in his recruitment decision.
Redding’s commitment addresses a critical need in Miami’s secondary. The program previously missed on several top-tier safety targets — including Blake Stewart — and the class was thin at the position. With Redding onboard, Miami could take two to three safeties depending on interest late this summer.
Once considered more of a raw athlete than polished diver, Redding has steadily shown growth, especially in coverage technique and physicality at the point of attack. At 175 pounds, he may currently be undersized, but he has the ability to impact the game in multiple roles.
Under coach Mario Cristobal, Miami has recruited well. Miami currently ranks 10th in the class of 2026. Redding joins a DB room that includes Jaelen Waters, Camdin Portis, Brody Jennings and Wyman with all projected to contribute in the future for the Hurricanes.