Miami football named top 4 2025 linebacker class
Hunter Shelton of On3 named the Miami football program with LSU, Ohio State and USC as the "Top linebacker classes in the 2025 cycle." Miami has commitments from four-star LBs Gavin Nix and Elijah Melendez and three-star Ezekiel Marcelin in the 2025 class.
Nix is the fourth highest-ranked player in the 2025 Miami class, Melendez is sixth and Marcelin is 15th. Miami has 20 players committed in the 2025 class. The 2025 Miami class is ranked 12th nationally and third in the ACC by On3. Miami has a mostly young LB corps on the 2024 roster.
Francisco Mauigoa is entering his final collegiate season in 2024. Louisville transfer Jaylin Alderman and junior Wesley Bissainthe are both eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft and will have decisions to make. Marcelin, Melendez and Nix could all contribute to Miami as true freshmen in 2025.
Nix is the 157th-ranked prospect and 15th LB in the 2025 class, Melendez is 172nd and 17th and Marcelin is 482nd and 48th. Miami has made defense a priority in the 2025 class. The Hurricanes also have an excellent group of defensive backs committed for 2025.
""The Hurricanes’ No. 12 recruiting class is heavily bolstered by their trio of linebacker pledges. Despite flip rumors, Elijah Melendez has remained solid in his commitment to Miami, which happened back in December...Ezekiel Marcelin is coming out of Miami Central high and is set to make the easy move to campus in Coral Gables next year. Gavin Nix out of in-state IMG Academy highlights the group and was one of the may blue-chippers to commit to the Canes in July.""
- Hunter Shelton, On3
The Miami trio of LB commits in the 2025 class compares favorably with LSU, Ohio State and USC. LSU has commits from two four-star LBs and one three-star. Ohio State has commits from one five-star LB, one four-star and one three-star. USC has commitments from two four-star LBs.
Mario Cristobal and his staff built the Miami roster inside-out. The line of scrimmage was the first priority for Miami under Cristobal. Miami has two good LB classes in 2024 and 2025. Miami signed four-star LB Adarius Hayes and three-star Cameron Pruitt in the 2024 class.