Miami Commit Sends Concerning Message About Hurricanes' In-State Rival

Demarcus Deroche, a four-star recruit, is still considering other options despite his commitment to Miami.

Published on Jan. 31, 2026

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Demarcus Deroche, a four-star athlete recruit from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has committed to the Miami Hurricanes for their 2027 class. However, he has not completely shut down his recruitment and is still considering other programs, including the rival Florida Gators, who have a new coaching staff that Deroche says he "loves" and finds to be a "really good vibe." This is concerning for the Hurricanes, who have already faced three decommitments in their 2026 recruiting class.

Why it matters

Keeping top in-state prospects committed is crucial for the Miami Hurricanes as they look to build a strong 2027 recruiting class. Deroche's openness to other programs, especially their in-state rival Florida, could be a significant blow if he ultimately decides to flip his commitment.

The details

Demarcus Deroche, a 6-foot-6, 200-pound athlete from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, originally committed to the Miami Hurricanes on August 19. However, he has not completely shut down his recruitment and is still considering other programs, including NC State, Ohio State, Florida State, Florida, Texas, and Syracuse. Deroche has taken particular notice of the coaching shakeup at Florida, telling Rivals' Marcus Benjamin, "It's a whole new coaching staff, I love them. They are a really good vibe. We're trying to get up there." This is concerning for the Hurricanes, who have already faced three decommitments in their 2026 recruiting class.

  • Deroche originally announced his commitment to Miami on August 19.
  • The Hurricanes have already faced three decommitments in their 2026 recruiting class.

The players

Demarcus Deroche

A four-star athlete recruit from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who has committed to the Miami Hurricanes for their 2027 class but is still considering other programs, including the rival Florida Gators.

Mario Cristobal

The head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, who is tasked with keeping top in-state prospects like Deroche committed to the program.

Jon Sumrall

The new head coach of the Florida Gators, whose coaching staff has impressed Deroche and made the Gators a contender for his commitment.

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What they’re saying

“It's a whole new coaching staff, I love them. They are a really good vibe. We're trying to get up there.”

— Demarcus Deroche, Recruit (Rivals)

What’s next

As the 2027 recruiting cycle continues, the Miami Hurricanes will need to work to keep Demarcus Deroche committed to the program and fend off interest from other schools, especially their in-state rival Florida Gators.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges Miami faces in keeping top in-state talent committed, even after they have already secured a verbal pledge. The Hurricanes will need to work hard to maintain Deroche's commitment and prevent him from flipping to another program, especially the rival Gators, who have made a strong impression on the recruit.