Miami football commit Luke Nickel shining at Elite 11 QB camp

Luke Nickel continues to rise in the 2025 rankings with an impressive performance at the Elite 11 finals. Nickel was ranked the seventh-best performer on day two at Elite 11 on Wednesday. Nickel ranks fifth out of the nine commits in the 2025 Miami football class.

The On3 Industry Ranking currently has Nickel as the 292nd prospect, 25th QB and 33rd player in Georgia out of Alpharetta Milton. If The Miami roster remains the same in 2025, Nickel will be the highest-rated QB on the Hurricanes. Nickel has been praised for his ability to read defenses and his accuracy.

Nickel is one of 18 QBs participating in the Elite 11 Finals this week, in Los Angeles. Tramell Jones of Florida State, ranked sixth, was the only Elite 11 finalist committed to an ACC program that ranked higher than Nickel on day two. Nickel continued his excellence on Elite 11, day three, per Keegan Pope of On3.

Pope reported Nickel completed 15 passes in 23 attempts with three TD passes on Thursday. Nickel's performance on Thursday followed a 16 of 20 performance on Wednesday. Nickel was praised after day one at Elite 11 with one of the better mechanics and is a smooth, refined passer.

"Through two days at the Elite 11 Finals, Luke Nickel appears to be one of the smoother passers on hand. The 6-foot-1.5, 215-pounder’s pro day performance was in the top group in large part due to his steady timing and accuracy. Nickel has a high release point and a consistent throwing motion. His arm strength has looked above average in a group that has several top shelf arms. The Miami pledge was also natural and fluid in his drops despite playing with an injured ankle."

- Charles Power, On3

Andrew Ivins of 247Sports had a similiar scouting report for Nickel to On3. Ivins praised Nickel as a full-field reader at his best looking to attack the several levels of a defense. Nickel's accuracy was also praised by Ivins. Ivins stated Nickel would thrive best in a balanced, timing-based system by getting the ball to the playmakers in space.

Miami will lose wide receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George following the 2024 season. Houston transfer Sam Brown has one year of eligibility beyond 2024. True freshmen Ny Carr, Chance Robinson and JoJo Trader and returnees Isaiah Horton, RayRay Joseph and Robby Washington give Nickel elite WRs to throw to at Miami.

Nickel has a bright future with Miami. Nickel could have a chance to compete immediately in 2025 with 2024 signees and returnees Reese Poffenbarger and Emory Williams at QB if Miami doesn't sign a transfer to replace Cam Ward. Nickel is a prospect to watch in the 2025 class through the Early Signing Period in December.