Miami currently holds the ninth-best 2023 recruiting class in the nation. The Hurricanes have the potential to take college football by storm within the next few seasons under new head coach Mario Cristobal, fresh off a four-year stint with the Oregon Ducks.
As part of this potentially historic recruiting class, the Hurricanes have locked in one five-star commit and seven four-star prospects. Here’s a deeper look at each of those eight players.
Francis Mauigoa (IMG Academy)
Mauigoa is currently the nation’s highest-ranked offensive tackle. He also checks in as Miami’s highest-rated recruit since 2008, when the Hurricanes had the best recruiting class in college football.
At IMG Academy, Mauigoa was a force, contributing to an explosive offensive attack. At 6 feet, 5 inches and 330 pounds, his frame is ideal, and his footwork is excellent, allowing him to avoid getting beat by any type of rush. He is also extremely physical and never gives up on a play, making him a perfect fit for a Miami program trending in a similar direction.
Jayden Wayne (IMG Academy)
A high-profile offseason transfer to IMG, Wayne is one America’s best edge rushers, even as a 4-star recruit. He also played offense at times on one of the nation’s best high school teams, Washington’s Lincoln High School, improving his agility and change of direction. His burst off the line may be unmatched, allowing him to blow past opposing tackles for easy sacks and tackles for loss.
Wayne chose the Hurricanes over both of last season’s CFP National Championship teams, Alabama and Georgia. He may be an instant impact player at Miami.
Jaden Rashada (Pittsburg)
One of two current QB commits in the 2023 Miami recruiting class, Rashada passed for 27 touchdowns last season in California. He has great ball placement and power, as exhibited at this year’s Elite 11. Throughout his recruitment, Rashada received some 32 offers, including invitations from LSU, Auburn, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
His decision to attend Miami may have been influenced by his choice to play his sophomore season at IMG Academy. He may be the future of the Hurricanes’ passing offense.
Riley Williams (IMG Academy)
Miami has done an excellent job establishing a pipeline from the prestigious IMG Academy to its program. Williams is the fourth player on this list so far to have played with the Ascenders at some point in his high school career.
The second-ranked tight end nationwide towers at 6 feet, 6 inches and has a massive catch radius, allowing him to win jump balls with relative ease. His massive strides make him a matchup nightmare, much like Georgia’s Brock Bowers.
Nathaniel Joseph (Miami Edison)
Joseph chose Miami over 34 other teams. His speed cannot be matched, as evident at Edison (FL), where he led the team in receiving and all-purpose yards last season and burned defenses. The slot receiver thrives on making plays after the catch and provides a Deebo Samuel-esque impact in motion presnap.
Joseph is poised for a breakout senior season statistically, and that bodes well for the highest-rated receiving recruit in this 2023 Miami recruiting class.
Raul Aguirre (Whitewater)
Arguably the best linebacker in Georgia, “Popo” Aguirre racked up 80 tackles last season. He is dynamic as both a run stopper and a lockdown coverage linebacker, especially in man-to-man. His endurance will be a massive benefit for the Hurricanes, as he rarely stepped off the field last season.
Aguirre also refuses to shy away from contact, using perfect technique to deliver crushing blows on opposing backs. He will showcase those skills in the Polynesian Bowl alongside several other star players from across the nation.
Robert Stafford (Eau Gallie)
Don’t let his team’s 3-7 record define Stafford; the athlete notched over 600 receiving yards offensively while knocking away five passes and making 19 tackles last season alone. He projects as a corner for the Hurricanes, but probably needs to put on more size to contest balls on the outside.
Stafford is extremely explosive and can shift a game’s momentum immediately. He will have one more season to showcase his talents before leaving for Coral Gables.
Robby Washington (Miami Palmetto)
Washington is a new addition to Palmetto’s squad, as he spent the 2021 season with Killian, where he racked up over 1,000 all-purpose yards to accompany two interceptions defensively. He also starred as a returner of both punts and kicks, solidifying his status as a Swiss Army Knife-type athlete.
Washington may be the lowest-ranked four-star commit in this 2023 Miami recruiting class, but he might prove to be one of the most useful Hurricanes in a few seasons.
