Miami’s recruiting momentum in the secondary isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and now the Hurricanes are firmly in the mix for one of South Florida’s top young defensive backs: Jaden Carey.
The Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St.
Thomas Aquinas cornerback just narrowed down his list, and it’s a who’s who of college football powerhouses. Carey is now focused on seven schools: Ohio State, Florida, Auburn, Notre Dame, Miami, Oregon, and Ole Miss.
That’s a stacked group, and it speaks volumes about the kind of talent Carey brings to the table.
At 6 feet tall and 165 pounds, Carey isn’t just another name on a recruiting board-he’s a playmaker for one of the most dominant high school programs in the country. St. Thomas Aquinas is no stranger to big-time football, and Carey’s performance in the 2025 state championship game-where he snagged an interception in a shutout win over Lakeland-only added to his growing résumé.
On3 ranks Carey as a four-star prospect in the 2027 class, slotting him at No. 377 nationally, No. 38 among cornerbacks, and No. 38 in the state of Florida. That’s solid company, especially in a state that churns out elite DBs year after year.
There’s also a deeper connection to Miami that makes this recruitment especially intriguing. Carey is a legacy-his father, Marcus Dave Carey, was a key piece of the Hurricanes’ secondary from 1989 to 1991, helping the program to two national championships. That family tie isn’t just sentimental; it’s part of what’s kept Carey coming back to Coral Gables for multiple unofficial visits, including stops in late August and September of 2025.
And Miami’s not just in the mix-they’re currently viewed as the frontrunner, according to On3’s prediction model. Defensive backs coaches Will Harris and Zac Etheridge are leading the charge here, and their efforts are clearly resonating.
This pursuit of Carey comes on the heels of Miami locking down a strong defensive back class in 2026. The Hurricanes signed six DBs from across the country:
- Jaelen Waters, CB - Armwood (St. Petersburg, Fla.)
- Brody Jennings, DB - Mandarin (Jacksonville, Fla.)
- Camdin Portis, CB - Myers Park (Charlotte, N.C.)
- Cortez Redding, DB - Jonesboro (Atlanta)
- Jontavius Wyman, DB - Jonesboro (Atlanta)
- **JJ Dunnigan Jr. **, DB - Manhattan (Manhattan, Kan.)
That group gives Miami a solid foundation in the secondary, but landing Carey would be a statement. He’s not just a legacy or a hometown kid-he’s a high-upside corner with the kind of instincts and ball skills that can change games. And with Miami continuing to build its identity around speed and toughness on defense, Carey fits the mold.
Recruiting battles like this one are never easy, especially when you’re going up against programs with national reach and deep pipelines. But Miami’s in a strong position here, and with Carey’s ties to the program and the staff’s consistent presence in his recruitment, the Hurricanes have every reason to feel confident.
The next few months will be telling, but one thing’s clear: Jaden Carey is a name to watch, and Miami’s doing everything it can to keep him home.