Miami among top programs for 2026 local wideout: When offer came “I started jumping up and down”
Early this fall, Miami landed a pledge from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage 2026 wide receiver Malachi Toney, and it looks as if the Hurricanes have their eyes set on another talented Patriot pass catcher in Brandon Bennett, who is one of the top youngsters in South Florida.
Standing at 6-foot, 165 pounds, the South Florida native gets it done on both the gridiron and track, which is something Miami head coach Mario Cristobal loves about the speedster.
“Coach Cristobal gave me that offer right after a track meet when I ran a 10.4,” Bennett told CaneSport. “When my coach texted me and told me I got the offer, I started jumping up and down and running across the track. I grew up down here, and I always went to Miami games when I was younger. Just knowing that they want me to be a part of their program just made me excited.”
Despite just entering his sophomore year, Bennett boasts a lengthy offer sheet with a handful of Power Five programs after his services early on, such as Georgia, Florida State, Penn State, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Miami, and others.
Although Bennett has begun to make a name for himself, he knows there is still work to be done.
“It’s been good, and coaches are showing me love,” Bennett said of his recruitment process. “None of that matters if I don’t produce on the field, so I just got to keep doing what I’ve got to do.”
In the early stages of his recruitment process, Bennett says he is looking for a program that will allow him to compete at the highest levels on the field, track, and in the classroom.
“Education is a big part of what I look for, as well as track,” Bennett said. “My fastest 100 time is a 10.43, and I’m 15 years old.”
After playing with the likes of current Hurricanes Mark Fletcher and Damari Brown, Bennett is excited to see his guys perform at the collegiate level.
“I’ve got a lot of people that I want to watch from the Heritage Pipeline, like Damari Brown and Mark Fletcher,” he said.
CaneSport’s take
Cristobal and the Hurricanes staff have done a great job recruiting at American Heritage since his arrival in Miami, and that does not look to be slowing down any time soon. Although Bennett may be a 2026 prospect, establishing a strong connection early may pay off for the Hurricanes down the road, and in the case of Toney, earning a commitment from a rising star early on.
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