Miami pledge Luke Nickel pushing for 4-star teammate to join him in 2025 class: “He pushes at me every day to come to Miami”

With one commit in the 2025 class already hailing from Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton High School in quarterback Luke Nickel, the Miami Hurricanes have their eyes on one of Nickel’s top playmakers in four-star tight end Ryan Ghea as well.

Since Nickel’s commitment to the Hurricanes earlier this month, the Hurricanes first 2025 pledge has been pushing for Ghea to join him at Miami.

“We kind of talked about it in a way before he was going to commit to Miami, but it definitely means a lot to me because of the connection and friendship that we have,” Ghea told CaneSport. “The things that they do with tight ends is just crazy at Miami, and just how they develop them at such a high level. He (Nickel) pushes at me every day to come to Miami.”

While Nickel has done his share of recruitment, Ghea, who is the No. 263 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking and the No. 13 tight end, has begun to build his own connection with the Hurricanes staff following his recent July visit to Coral Gables.

“What stands out about Miami is the connection they have with me and how they develop tight ends very well,” Ghea said. “I feel like the program is going to go up in the future, and getting commits like Luke on board is just a big thing for them.”

Thus far, the 6-foot-5, 228-pound tight end has built a strong relationship with Hurricanes tight end coach Cody Woodiel as well as Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive analyst Nate Crutchfield.

“I would say coach Woodiel because he’s my guy and I love him,” Ghea said. “Also coach Crutch and coach Cristobal. They like how I’m more of a complete tight end and how I can run block, pass block, and win at a high level.”

Early on, no favorites have emerged for the talented pass catcher, but while Ghea couldn’t name any schools that are at the top of his list, he does plan on seeing a handful of programs this fall as he hopes to narrow things down by the end of the season.

“Definitely the education,” Ghea said when asked what he’d be looking for in a school. “I know it might not mean a lot to other people, but getting a high degree and being able to go back into the real world is big to me. Also, how they develop the tight ends and the relationship they have with me and my family. That’s the biggest thing. Especially with my mom and dad. They want to give me to a program that’s going to treat me like their own.”

CaneSport’s take

After taking a visit to Coral Gables in late July, the Hurricanes are making strides in the right direction with Ghea, and landing his quarterback and longtime friend Nickel only helped them even more. While that can’t be the primary recruiting pitch, Miami has done a great job of building a real connection with Ghea, who is looking to visit the Hurricanes for the third time this year for a game-day experience.

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