National recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong discusses potential Miami LB flips

Four-star prospect Gavin Nix and three-star Ezekiel Marcelin are the only linebackers committed to Miami in the 2025 class. On3 Vice President of National College Football Recruiting and Transfer Portal Steve Wiltfong discussed potential Miami flips at multiple positions on his eponymous podcast the Wiltfong Whiparound this week.

Wilftong discussed four-star LB prospects Ohio State commit Tarvos "T.J." Alford of Vero Beach and Kellen Wiley of Seffner Armwood who is currently uncommitted. Miami flipped defensive tackle Justin Scott and running backs Mark Fletcher and Jordan Lyle from Ohio State in the last two cycles.

Nix is the 230th prospect, 21st LB and 32nd player in Florida in the On3 Industry Rankings. Marcelin is the 509th overall prospect, 54th LB and 63rd player in Florida. Alford is the 129th prospect, 13th LB and 21st player in Florida and Wiley is 361st, 37th and 49th. Miami is currently trending for a Wiley commitment.

On3 currently ranks the 2025 Miami class 10th nationally and first in the ACC. Miami is on the verge of signing its third consecutive top 10 class in as many full cycles under Mario Cristobal. The potential flip of Alford and signing Wiley would be huge additions to the 2025 Miami class, particularly on defense.

"Tavros TJ Alford an On3 300 linebacker committed to Ohio State is keeping Miami very warm and I think that as we get closer to the Finish Line each passing day I like the Hurricanes' chances more and more for Tarvos TJ Alford. Look they flipped Justin Scott last cycle, Jordan Lyle looks like a future star in the backfield for Miami.

The last Target before Miami in this class is Kellen Wiley On3 300 linebacker in-state from Tampa Armwood. We'll see what happens with TJ Alford. Does Miami have room for two? Do they take a plus because they think either of those guys is really good? We'll see how things shake out. We'll see if another prospect or two emerges here late in the 2025 cycle."

Cristobal and his staff are always full of surprises late in the recruiting cycle. Miami has established the ability to flip players from other programs, particularly Ohio. With the Early Signing Period from December 4-6, Miami is a program to monitor over the next few weeks.