Miami fans reminded of Jeremiah Smith with another local 5-star spurning the Canes

When the Miami football team somehow let Jeremiah Smith leave home and go play for Ohio State, people were up in arms. There were rumors of Smith transferring and making a move to Coral Gables to play alongside Carson Beck, but that's not going to happen.

For the 2026 cycle, Canes fans everywhere have had their eyes on Northwestern's Calvin Russell, one of the top wideouts in the country for his class. No chance Mario Cristobal and his staff were going to drop the ball here, right?

Unfortunately, that appears to be the case, as Russell is announcing his college commitment this weekend and he has narrowed things down to three schools - in a stunner, Miami didn't make the cut among the finalists.

Miami and Mario Cristobal whiffed with 5-star wideout Calvin Russell

You've got to be kidding. Per multiple reports, Russell is down to Michigan, Florida State and Oregon. We get Florida State being in his home state, but the speedster would rather play for the Wolverines or Ducks in the future over having his family and friends watch him ball out for Miami?

From our chair, it just doesn't make sense, but Russell knows what's best for his future. This no question stings for Cristobal, however, as the 6-5, 195-pounder indeed is one of the top wide receivers in the country for the 2026 class.

According to the 247Sports Composite, Russell is ranked five stars, the No. 5 WR in the nation, No. 4 player from Florida and No. 47 prospect nationally. He's an elite playmaker and fanbases are dreaming of him making plays in the future for their favorite team.

As things stand, Oregon, Michigan or Florida State will be receiving his verbal commitment on Saturday. Miami not even being in the hunt is a disappointment on so many levels. Russell feels like 'Jeremiah Smith 2.0' for the Miami faithful. Seeing the top local talent leave to play elsewhere can't keep happening.