Ronelle Johnson’s recruitment has been quiet since the four-star edge rusher committed to Indiana on July 5, but with a few months left until early signing day, Mario Cristobal and Miami have decided to make a push to flip him from the Hoosiers.
On Sunday, Johnson announced that he received an offer from Miami, the first he’s received since his commitment to Curt Cignetti’s program, and it looks like the push could be on to land the 6-foot-4, 260-pound four-star.
Blessed to receive an offer from the university of miami🟠🟢@coachstroud @DevontayTaylor @lewis_damione @coach_cristobal @CanesFootball @bshsfootball @JJPaul53 pic.twitter.com/TH4dzwWs2n
— Ronelle Johnson (@RonelleJohnson_) September 14, 2025
Mario Cristobal continues to prioritize the trenches
Mario Cristobal’s ethos as a head coach has always been clear: build through the trenches. This year’s roster is the most clear embodiment of that vision since the former Hurricane returned to Coral Gables in 2022. Led by Francis Mauigoa at right tackle and Anez Cooper at right guard, the Canes’ offensive line has been dominant, and on the other side of the ball, Rueben Bain Jr. has led a defensive resurgence from the edge.
Yet, despite trench play catalyzing Miami’s rise to No. 4 in the country, Cristobal’s 2026 recruiting class features just three defensive linemen, and only two with four-star ratings, Asharri Charles and Anthony Kennedy Jr. Further investment in the position will help to solidify the strides Miami has made defensively under first-year defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman.
Johnson fits into that vision, with the size and strength to move up and down the defensive line, winning off the edge and on the interior. Additionally, he would further cement Missouri, typically more susceptible to tornadoes, as a fertile talent pipeline for the Hurricanes.
This summer, Cristobal and Miami’s NIL collective spent big to land a commitment from Jackson Cantwell, the top offensive tackle in the country and a Nixa, Missouri native. He’s also the top-rated recruit in the state, with Johnson closely behind at No. 3, one of just three top 300 recruits in the nation from the Show Me State.
When Johnson initially committed to the Hoosiers, Missouri, Kansas State, and Ole Miss were the other top contenders. Now, Miami is attempting to swoop in and change his mind with a late offer, but first, the Canes will need to lock down a gameday visit for Johnson this fall.