No. 1 RB in state of Florida includes Miami Hurricanes in top 5 schools

Four-star running back Tranard Roberts has trimmed his recruitment to five schools and included Miami on the list. The Villages (Fla.) Charter standout told Rivals/On3 on Thursday that his finalists are Michigan, Tennessee, Ohio State, Auburn and Miami. Florida, once viewed as the frontrunner, did not make the cut following last week's coaching change in Gainesville.

Roberts, a 2027 prospect who transferred from IMG Academy back to The Villages for this season, is rated No. 212 nationally, the No. 15 running back and the No. 21 prospect in Florida (No. 1 RB in Florida) in the latest Rivals rankings.

Roberts said Florida's dismissal of Billy Napier removed the Gators from consideration. Napier was a big part of Roberts' recruitment and the lack of coaching stability was too concerning for him. Florida fired Napier on Oct. 19 after a 3–4 start; receivers coach Billy Gonzales was named interim.

For Miami, the Florida firing could have opened the door for them in Roberts' recruitment. The Hurricanes are the only team in Florida on his list, and Roberts is a Florida native. If he were to want to stay close to home, Miami would have an edge in that department. Obviously multiple factors go into choosing a program, but that's something none of the other schools have in Roberts' top-five.

As for where things stand today, Roberts indicated one program has the edge: Michigan. Roberts has been very impressed with the running back room for the Wolverines and has bought into running backs coach, Tony Alford. Alford also acts as the run-game coordinator for Michigan.

Tennessee and Ohio State remain tough to beat as both are competing for playoff spots. But, Auburn could also be dealing with a bit of instability at HC with Hugh Freeze being on the hot seat. It will certainly be something to watch as Roberts' recruitment continues.