While things have been downright electric for Miami and Mario Cristobal recruiting for the 2027 class, some negative news just came in that most of us weren't ready for. Back in July, 3-star offensive tackle Zaquan Linton gave Cristobal the news he wanted, committing to the Canes.
Miami fans need to watch Texas A&M's push for 5-star OT Mark Matthews
Fast forward to present time, however, and Linton is no longer going to have a future with the ACC powerhouse. It has just been reported via 247Sports' insider Gaby Urrutia that Miami and Linton have decided to part ways. We're not quite sure what led to this, but it's no question a bummer that the in-stater won't be suiting up for Miami once he graduates high school:
Miami and OL Zaquan Linton have mutually agreed to part ways. He is no longer a part of the Hurricanes' recruiting class.
— Gaby Urrutia (@GabyUrrutia247) April 17, 2026
More: https://t.co/I4vlUBm36n
Offensive lineman Zaquon Linton will no longer be playing his college ball for Miami
When Linton originally picked Miami, it indeed was an exciting get for Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal. Checking in at 6-5, 295 pounds, the youngster already has tremendous size and the fact that he's a playmaker for Palm Central High in Wellington (90 minutes outside of Miami) made things even better.
Despite that, something changed for Cristobal and Co., which is why this latest piece of info just dropped. Throughout his recruitment, Linton has picked up 20 offers, originally picking Miami over Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, Louisville and many others.
With Linton no longer Miami-bound, the Canes are down to nine known verbal commits for the 2027 haul. The class still features 5-stars Israel Abrams and Nick Lennear, plus Jaylyn Jones, Sean Tatum, Demarcus Deroche, Ah'Mari Stevens, Sherrod Gourdine, Tyler Ford and Josh Johnson.
There are top targets Cristobal is still eyeing, of course including other Florida products who are giving the Canes a serious look - the list includes 5-star linebacker Kaden Henderson. So, yes, the majority of the updates for the '27 group have been sensational, but this Linton news caught us a bit off guard. It's safe to assume other schools will be lining up to try and land him now that his recruitment is back open.
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