The University of Miami has secured 13 Class of 2025 football commitments since June 1, with the most recent addition being Daylyn Upshaw, a four-star wide receiver from Phenix City (Ala.) Central.
Upshaw chose UM over several other prominent schools, making him the Canes’ 18th non-binding pledge for 2025 and the sole wide receiver committed in this class. Meanwhile, Waden Charles, a previously committed receiver from Palm Beach Central, has retracted his commitment to Miami and announced his intention to enroll at UCF instead. Upshaw, standing at 5-11, is ranked as the 59th receiver and the 387th prospect in the Class of 2025 by 247 Sports.
In the previous season, he demonstrated his talent by securing 59 receptions for 1185 yards at an impressive average of 20.1 yards per catch, resulting in 15 touchdowns.
The University of Miami is still in contention for a number of highly sought-after uncommitted receivers, including five-star receiver Jaime Ffrench from Jacksonville, who is ranked as the No. 4 receiver and No. 18 prospect by 247 Sports, as well as Vernell Brown from Orlando, who is ranked as the No. 6 receiver and No. 25 prospect. It is anticipated that Brown will make a decision soon from among UM, UF, FSU, and Ohio State. In terms of other offensive positions for the 2025 season, here’s the current status for the Canes:
- Quarterback: Luke Nickel, a four-star prospect from Georgia, is viewed as a strong commitment for UM, despite ongoing interest from other schools such as FSU, Penn State, and Wisconsin. Nickel played a pivotal role in leading Milton High to an 11-2 record and a state title last season, achieving impressive stats with 277 completions out of 419 attempted passes (66.1 percent) for 3,914 yards, 39 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Additionally, he managed to run for 181 yards and six touchdowns.
- Tight end: The Hurricanes appear to have secured their position here with commitments from four-star prospects Brock Schott and Luka Gilbert. Schott, hailing from Leo, Indiana, is ranked as the No. 9 tight end and the 145th best player overall by 247 Sports. Meanwhile, Gilbert, who comes from Westchester, Ohio, is rated as the No. 14 tight end and the 297th best player in the 2025 class. Standing at 6-7, he recorded 15 receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns in the previous season.
Offensive line: UM is in a favorable position in this area with commitments from several prospects, including four-star interior offensive lineman Seuseu “SJ” Alofaituli from Las Vegas, who is regarded by some as the top center prospect in the nation. The class also includes three-star offensive tackle Jaden Wilkerson and three-star tackle Demetrius Campbell, both from Orlando, as well as four-star offensive lineman Max Buchanan from Sanford and three-star interior lineman TK Muex from Jacksonville.
- Additionally, the Canes are still very much in contention for four-star center/guard prospect Cortez Smith from Georgia, who is set to make a decision between UM, South Carolina, Georgia, and Georgia Tech on July 20.
In the running back department, Seffner Armwood prospect Girard Pringle Jr is currently the lone commitment to UM, positioned as the No. 30 running back in his class by Rivals. Last season, Pringle amassed 1,683 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns with an impressive 7.7 yards per carry average. He is also involved in track and possesses well above-average speed.
- UM is among eight finalists for Chattanooga (Tenn.) Baylor School running back Shekai Mills-Knight, with Michigan, Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State, Tennessee, Missouri, and Mississippi also in consideration. Mills-Knight is rated as the No. 28 running back and 246th best prospect for 2025 by 247 Sports. Miami is also actively pursuing four-star running back Byron Louis from Plantation American Heritage, who is ranked as the 15th best running back in his class. FSU is also a significant contender for Louis. As per 247 Sports, UM’s 2025 class is currently rated 10th overall.
