Miami hot on trail of 2026 ATH: “They’re definitely trying to make it known to me that Miami can be family … can be home”
Opa Locka (Fla.) Northwestern 2026 ATH Calvin Russell has emerged as an early recruiting target for several major programs, including Miami.
Miami, Florida and Florida State are making the three most notable efforts for the 6-foot-4, 176-pound athlete being recruited at receiver. All three programs were quick to offer Russell as a high school freshman and tell him they’re excited for his sophomore year. He’s already landed more than a dozen offers including Penn State, Colorado and Auburn in addition to the Florida trio.
“Coach (Mario) Cristobal, coach (Kevin Beard), (I’ve talked to) the whole receiver coaching staff,” Russell said. “The whole coaching staff is family. They all get along.”
Russell has been to Miami’s campus “about five or six times” total for prospect camps, 7-on-7 tournaments and unofficial visits, which included the Hurricanes’ end-of-July barbecue last summer. He took an unofficial visit to Coral Gables July 28 during just before the start of the August dead period, and Miami’s coaching staff kept in touch through approved channels this summer.
“They’re trying to get me back on campus most of all,” Russell said. “They’re trying to show me that I can trust them with my career. They’re definitely trying to make it known to me that Miami can be family and that Miami can be home.”
Russell also visited Florida State July 29. He said the Seminoles, Miami, Penn State, Florida and Auburn have caught his attention and made strong recruiting efforts. Maryland has held its place on his radar as well.
“I just love the way the coaches are enthused about their programs getting better,” Russell said when asked why those five programs have stood out. “How they think about winning and their winning mentalities.”
He said he’ll “make sure” he attends the Miami-Florida State game Nov. 11 in Tallahassee after attending the rivalry matchup last season in South Florida. Russell said he wants to experience the rivalry environment in Tallahassee to compare it to Miami’s and won’t necessarily just be watching to see who wins.
“(The winner) won’t really have (a massive impact), because I feel like when I get there, I can make a change in a program,” Russell said. “I feel like I can turn it over with the help of the coaches, with the help of my teammates around me.”
CaneSport’s Take
Russell is the latest in a long line of South Florida stars to be at the heart of a recruiting battle between Miami, Florida, Florida State and others, and while it’s still early in his recruitment, the Hurricanes have positioned themselves well. We expect Russell to attend at least one Miami home game at Hard Rock this season as the Canes keep him on their radar.
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