6 Miami priority targets set to announce decisions in coming days: What you need to know

The majority of Miami’s major 2025 recruiting targets are expected to announce their commitments before the end of the summer, and six of the Hurricanes’ biggest prospects will commit between July 17 and July 21.

Five-Star Plus+ cornerback DJ Pickett, four-star receiver Vernell Brown III, four-star cornerback Jaboree Antoine, four-star interior offensive lineman Cortez Smith, three-star defensive lineman Jarquez Carter and three-star defensive tackle Floyd Boucard have commitment dates set between the coming Wednesday and the following Sunday. Miami hosted all five prospects for official visits last month and could bring one or more back to campus this fall and expects to have a chance to land each target.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of a major commitment week.

Five-Star Plus+ CB DJ Pickett | July 17
+++ Pickett will choose between Miami, Oregon and LSU, although I feel strongest about Miami and Oregon’s chances. Oregon is currently the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine’s favorite following a prediction from ScoopDuck’s Justin Hopkins, but the Hurricanes are continuing to push hard for the No. 6 overall prospect and arguably their biggest recruiting priority this cycle. Many believe he’ll pick the Ducks, but Miami has a very strong chance and can absolutely land his commitment, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he picks the Hurricanes. I expect Miami to continue fighting for Pickett until signing day regardless of his decision Wednesday.

Four-star WR Vernell Brown III | July 21
+++ Brown is down to Miami, Florida, Florida State and Ohio State, but Florida and Miami look to be in the best positions heading into his announcement. Florida feels like the favorite given his numerous ties to the Gators (including his father and grandfather, who both played at Florida), but Miami receivers coach Kevin Beard has built a strong relationship and given the Hurricanes a chance. Florida has led in the Recruiting Prediction Machine for the last few weeks following a swing of predictions in late June.

Four-star CB Jaboree Antoine | July 20
+++ Antoine suddenly decommitted from LSU last month and will choose between the Tigers, Miami and Florida State July 20. He visited all three last month and announced he would focus exclusively on the three schools heading into his decision. But the No. 87 overall prospect has been quiet since his official visits. All three schools are pushing hard, and I can see him choosing any of the three schools.

Four-star IOL Cortez Smith | July 20
+++ Smith will choose between Miami, Georgia, South Carolina and Georgia Tech, and the Hurricanes have turned up the heat since his official visit last month. The No. 157 overall prospect, who can play center or guard, is one of Miami’s top remaining offensive line targets, and a commitment could solidify a very good Miami offensive line class. It’ll be hard for the Hurricanes to pull Smith out of Georgia’s backyard, and he’s visited Athens more than twice as many times as any other school. But Miami has impressed enough on his various visits to give the Hurricanes a chance. Georgia remains the RPM leader.

Three-star DL Jarquez Carter | July 18
+++ Carter is between Miami, Penn State, Ohio State and UCF, all of whom he has visited multiple times. The No. 402 overall prospect is one of the more versatile defensive linemen in the class and capable of coming off the edge, lining up as a five-technique or being beefed up and moving inside as a potential three-technique or nose guard. It will depend how his body shapes out after a year on a college strength and nutrition program. My gut tells me Ohio State or Penn State, but Miami is right in the mix.

Three-star DT Floyd Boucard | July 20
+++ Miami, USC, Alabama and Oklahoma all hosted Boucard for official visits last month, and all four could have a chance. USC’s west-coast appeal, Oklahoma’s long recruitment and interest in Boucard, Alabama’s status as his former state’s flagship school and Miami’s four-month recruiting push have put them in the mix. As the dust has continued to settle, I think Miami should have a good chance. Oklahoma is continuing to push hard and Boucard has prioritized him for far longer than any of the other four schools. But the race is still tight.

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