Analysis: Miami still needs defensive linemen, but Mykah Newton’s commitment is a step in the right direction

Miami hasn’t addressed all of its needs in the 2025 recruiting class yet. But flipping Newberry (Fla.) three-star defensive tackle Mykah Newton from NC State was a step in the right direction.

Newton’s flip from the Wolfpack to the Hurricanes gives Miami two defensive tackles in the class between him and three-star Maryland flip Donta Simpson, who committed to the Canes exactly two weeks ago. He gives Miami 21 commits in this year’s cycle — but more importantly he gives the Canes three pledges capable of playing along the defensive line.

It’s no secret Miami went all-out for last year’s defensive line class between five-star defensive linemen Justin Scott and Armondo Blount, five-star EDGE Marquise Lightfoot, four-star defensive tackle Artavius Jones, four-star EDGE Booker Pickett and three-star EDGES Cole McConathy and Elias Rudolph, but this year’s national defensive line class as a whole hasn’t proven as deep as last year’s cycle. So Miami finding a strong, powerful, high-motor and high-upside defensive tackle like Newton to add to its 2025 cycle was particularly valuable.

Newton has added 15 pounds to climb from 250 to 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, and there’s reason to believe he’ll continue to grow. Newton, like Simpson, has a late birthday and only recently turned 17 but has a massive lower body that allows him to be explosive and should allow him to quickly add muscle once he eventually arrives on campus.

He has largely played defensive end through his high school career but will be developed as an interior defensive lineman at Miami, which could take time given how difficult it can be to learn a new position at the college level. But he shows potential to be able to defensively dominate a run game if he can reach 300 pounds and maintain his current agility.

Newton should be able to rush the passer from multiple lanes and has recorded more than 25 sacks in his high school career, but his best football should still be ahead of him given his long frame and body type.

And if he develops the way the Hurricanes believe he can, Miami may have landed a hidden gem in this year’s cycle.

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