Miami's 2027 class is rising up the rankings, and AJ Randle's commitment boosts the Hurricanes on defense.
Randle, a four-star linebacker from Garner High in North Carolina, announced his commitment to Miami on Thursday after choosing the Hurricanes over finalists Florida, Georgia, NC State, Ohio State and South Carolina. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound defender is Miami's first linebacker commitment in the 2027 class and one of the highest-ranked players in a group that has climbed into the top five nationally.
BREAKING: Four-Star LB AJ Randle has Committed to Miami, he tells me for @Rivals
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 21, 2026
The 6’3 215 LB chose the Hurricanes over South Carolina, Ohio State, and Georgia
He’s ranked as the No. 5 LB in the 2027 Rivals300 🙌https://t.co/N7GwUKRdcT pic.twitter.com/NLWRinVEx9
Miami lands top-100 linebacker AJ Randle
Randle's announcement came on Thursday, but his decision was already made before then.
"I committed probably about a week and a half ago. It was awesome just to be on the phone with Coach Cristobal. He was so amped and excited. I think he's already ready for me to come be a part of the team now. He's ready for me to come now, so I'm excited about the opportunity. It's a great place with great people. The recruiting class we've got coming in is pretty good, so I'm excited to be a part of it."AJ Randle
Randle pointed to Cristobal's energy, the people around the program and the class Miami is building.
"Just his energy. He has a winner's mindset and winning energy. That's the type of energy I love to be around. I want to continue to be around it and continue to be a winner throughout the rest of my life."AJ Randle
The 247Sports Composite has Randle as the No. 95 overall player, No. 6 linebacker and No. 5 player in North Carolina in the 2027 class. The Rivals Industry Ranking places him No. 96 nationally, No. 6 at his position and No. 5 in North Carolina.
Randle played linebacker, quarterback and wide receiver for Garner in 2025 and finished with 84 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, three forced fumbles and one interception in 13 games. On offense, he ran 20 times for 119 yards and four touchdowns and caught five passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
Randle also comes from an athletic family. His mother, Nikkie Bouyer-Randle, is a Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame track athlete who was a five-time All-American and three-time ACC champion. His brother, Brandon Bouyer-Randle, played at Michigan State, Texas Tech and UConn before spending time with multiple NFL teams and playing in the CFL.
Randle's commitment came on the same day Miami added four-star interior offensive lineman Jatori Williams.
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