Miami lands a 4-star California WR in an undeniable show of recruiting strength

Miami added another major piece to its 2027 class on Tuesday when four-star wide receiver Eli Woodard committed to the Hurricanes over Cal and UCLA.

Woodard, a 6-foot, 185-pound receiver from Chaparral High School in Temecula, California, gives Miami its 20th commitment in the class and its second wide receiver pledge alongside five-star Miami Carol City standout Nick Lennear. The Rivals Industry Ranking lists Woodard as the No. 156 prospect nationally, the No. 23 wide receiver and the No. 16 player in California. 

Miami lands former USC commit Eli Woodard after beating Cal and UCLA for 4-star WR

Woodard announced the decision after an eventful spring that saw him reopen his recruitment less than four months after committing to USC. He originally committed to the Trojans in February, backed away from that commitment in May and then took official visits to Miami, Cal and UCLA before making his decision Tuesday. 

Miami was not part of Woodard's original recruitment when he picked USC. The Hurricanes offered after that commitment and made a strong push once he reopened his process.

Woodard had known Miami was his choice for weeks after his visit to Coral Gables and that was partly because of the program's energy and people.

Miami wide receivers coach Kevin Beard played a central role in the decision.

Woodard caught 51 passes for 1,070 yards and 17 touchdowns in 12 games as a junior for Chaparral. He averaged 21 yards per reception, added 264 kick-return yards and 70 punt-return yards, and made plays on defense with 32 tackles, seven pass breakups and an interception. 

Miami showed that they can recruit against anyone — and everywhere — in the country. The Canes reached into Southern California, beat two nearby programs in Cal and UCLA and landed a former USC commit who had plenty of reasons to stay on the West Coast. That is the standard now.

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