Miami Hurricanes battling USC and Oregon for No. 1 safety in Class of 2027

Five-star safety Honor Fa'alave-Johnson, a two-way standout from Cathedral Catholic in San Diego, has trimmed his recruitment to six schools: Miami, Oregon, Texas, USC, LSU and Notre Dame, after previously scheduling spring visits to an eight-school group that also included Ohio State and Alabama.

5-star safety Honor Fa'alave-Johnson includes Miami in final six schools

Fa'alave-Johnson is listed at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds and is rated as the No. 1 safety in the 2027 class by multiple major services. 247Sports has him as the No. 19 overall prospect, the No. 1 safety, and the No. 1 player in California in its rankings. He's also the Rivals Industry Ranking's No. 1 safety, as well as the No. 16 player nationally and the No. 1 recruit in California in the industry composite.

In 12 games last season, Fa'alave-Johnson rushed for 1,265 yards and 21 touchdowns on 128 carries, and added 35 catches for 564 yards and seven touchdowns. On defense, he logged 38 tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions. Fa'alave-Johnson could play running back, defensive back or both at the next level.

USC has long been viewed as the team to watch in his recruitment, and he was actually on commit watch for the Trojans at one point. Oregon probably slots in as a clear second among the six teams remaining. USC and Oregon appear to have an advantage — at least based on predictions — because they are closer to home for Fa'alave-Johnson.

Fa'alave-Johnson has a loaded visit schedule that was recently adjusted with his reveal of the top six: Miami on March 5-7, Oregon on March 14-15, Texas on March 28-29, USC on April 4, LSU on April 18-19 and Notre Dame on April 24-25. Previously he was set to go to Ohio State on April 4 and Alabama on April 11.