Recruiting Heats Up in Florida as Miami and Florida Dominate

The Sunshine State's top programs are regaining their recruiting prowess after a down period.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:35pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the energy and intensity of a college football recruiting battle, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in vibrant shades of orange, green, and blue.The renewed recruiting rivalry between Miami and Florida is set to bring a new era of high-stakes competition for top talent in the Sunshine State.Today in Miami

After years of struggling to keep top talent in-state, Miami and Florida are making major recruiting strides, landing blue-chip prospects and assembling top-ranked classes. Miami is poised to sign the nation's No. 1 class, while Florida is surging under new coach Jon Sumrall. Meanwhile, Florida State's struggles could open the door for the Gators and Hurricanes to reassert their dominance in the state.

Why it matters

Recruiting success in talent-rich Florida is crucial for the state's top programs to return to national prominence. Miami and Florida's resurgence could shift the balance of power in college football, especially if Florida State continues to falter under coach Mike Norvell.

The details

Miami has already landed two top-50 prospects and is in the mix for several five-star recruits, including offensive tackle Mark Matthews, linebacker Kaden Henderson, and defensive tackle Jalen Brewster. Florida, under new coach Jon Sumrall, has secured commitments from five-star offensive lineman Maxwell Hiller and four-star quarterback Davin Davidson, beating out top programs. The Gators are expected to land more top talent at their upcoming spring game.

  • Miami is coming off a season in which they were one play away from winning the national championship.
  • Florida hired Jon Sumrall as its new head coach in the offseason.
  • Florida State's Mike Norvell is entering a make-or-break season after struggling in his first few years.

The players

Mario Cristobal

The head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, who is leading the program's recruiting resurgence.

Jon Sumrall

The new head coach of the Florida Gators, who has revitalized the team's recruiting efforts.

Mike Norvell

The head coach of the Florida State Seminoles, whose job is in jeopardy after a disappointing tenure so far.

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What they’re saying

“Once Norvell hits the road, I have a strong inkling that the powers that be in the state's capital will make a serious commitment to funding a winner.”

— Austin Perry, Author

What’s next

Florida's spring game this weekend will be a key recruiting event, with the Gators expected to land more top talent.

The takeaway

The balance of power in Florida college football appears to be shifting, with Miami and Florida regaining their recruiting prowess and Florida State's struggles potentially opening the door for the Hurricanes and Gators to reassert their dominance in the Sunshine State.