Chad Simmons of On3 reported on Sunday morning that Miami is in a close race for 2026 four-star Florida cornerback commitment Jaelen Waters. Waters has been committed to Florida since June. Miami 2025 signees, linebacker Kellan Wiley and running back Girard Pringle Jr. were teammates with Waters at Seffner, Armwood.
Waters is the No. 159 prospect, No. 15 CB and No. 26 player in Florida in the 2026 class. The On3 rankings have Waters No. 2 in the 2026 Florida class. Waters would also be the No. 2-ranked prospect in the 2026 Miami class if he commits. Jordan Campbell is the No. 77 prospect, No. 4 LB and No. 13 player in Florida - he's currently the Canes' top-rated pledge.
New Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman is the Hurricanes' primary recruiter for Waters. Hetherman is recruiting Waters without Miami having a secondary coach to assist him. Waters has taken two unofficial visits to Florida State and one to Miami. Florida State held a Waters' commitment from April 23, 2024, through May 30, 2024.
Mario Cristobal led a Miami contingent for an in-person visit with Waters. Waters would be the second commitment at CB in the 2026 Miami class. Four-star Miami legacy Camdin Portis, the son of former Hurricanes' running back Clinton, is also a committed CB in the 2026 class.
Florida 4-star CB commit Jaelen Waters tells @ChadSimmons_ that it's a close race between the Gators and Miami in his recruitment right now👀
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) January 19, 2025
Read: https://t.co/dVJ4eBhsIl pic.twitter.com/9rJ476fOA6
Miami is making a strong push to land 4-star Florida commit Jaelen Waters
Waters has 33 tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss, two interceptions, 9.0 pass breakups, 1.0 fumble recovery and 1.0 forced fumble in his last two high school seasons. At 6-2 and 180 pounds, Waters has exceptional length for a CB. Damari Brown and Dylan Day are the only returning defensive backs on the 2025 Miami roster who are 6-2.
Miami signed a trio of four-star CBs in the 2025 class with Jaboree Antoine from New Iberia, Louisiana, Chris Ewald from Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and Amari Wallace from Miami Central. Miami has also added transfer CBs Charles Brantley, Emmanuel Karnley and Ethan O'Connor and is expected to add Xavier Lucas.