In ESPN's reranking of the top 2023 recruiting classes, the Hurricanes moved up to No. 3 overall, a modest, but telling, bump from their original No. 5 finish in ESPN's 2023 rankings. Only Ohio State (No. 1) and Notre Dame (No. 2) ranked higher in the updated list.
Miami moves to No. 3 in ESPN's reranking of top 2023 recruiting classes
ESPN's Craig Haubert determined the rerank around what classes actually became three years later, with the transfer portal era changing the definition of "winning" a class. The list emphasizes identifying, developing and retaining talent, plus how those players translated into conference titles and CFP runs.
The Hurricanes' class was built around the lines, headlined by five-star offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. Mauigoa won Miami's starting right tackle job as a freshman and held it for three seasons. The class' other marquee name is Rueben Bain. Keeping Bain home was critical and in 2025 he finished with 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks as one of the nation's top disruptors.
"Mario Cristobal returned to his alma mater and, with his first full recruiting class in place, assembled a group of foundational players that helped fuel Miami's resurgence in 2025."Craig Haubert
At the skill position, running back Mark Fletcher Jr. is another building block. He was Miami's lead rusher in 2025, running for 1,192 yards and 12 touchdowns. Complementary pieces such as defensive backs Damari Brown and Malik Bryant, and punter Dylan Joyce are also reasons why the 2023 class is built different.
In a separate ESPN rerank of the 2023 ESPN 300 prospects, Bain came in at No. 2 overall in the class and Mauigoa ranked No. 3 overall. Both players are expected to be taken in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.
Behind Ohio State, Notre Dame and Miami, the rest of ESPN's top 10 included Georgia, Texas, Oregon, Texas A&M, Alabama, Vanderbilt and BYU.