Jai Lucas Just Made An Early Move That Miami Fans Will Notice

Miami Hurricanes seek to bolster their future roster with a standout offer to top small forward prospect Mason Collins following his impressive performance at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam.

Miami’s latest move on the recruiting trail came after a strong showing in North Augusta, and the target is a big one: Wilmington (Del.) Tatnall 2028 five-star small forward Mason Collins.

Collins announced the offer on social media Wednesday night, writing, "MIAMI OFFERED!!!," after the Hurricanes extended the scholarship following his run at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam.

The 6-foot-6 wing is ranked by 247Sports as the fifth-best small forward and the No. 10 overall player in the 2028 class. Miami head coach Jai Lucas was there in person, joined by assistants Erik Pastrana and Russell Springmann, as Collins suited up for Team CP3 16U.

He gave the Hurricanes plenty to like. Over eight games at Peach Jam, Collins led Team CP3 with 15.5 points per game and added 6.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.1 blocks while helping the team reach the championship game. He also shot 50.5 percent from the field, 17.1 percent from 3-point range and 60.0 percent at the line.

One of his most eye-catching moments came in a 64-54 win over AB Elite 16U, when he threw down a one-handed dunk just three seconds into the game with Miami’s staff watching from the baseline.

Collins also represented Team USA at the FIBA U17 World Cup, where he posted 7.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He did that alongside several other Miami targets, including 2027 prospects Cayden Daughtry, Beckham Black and Jordan Page, plus 2028 Xavier Young.

In Other News...

Bryce Fitzgerald May Be At Center Of Miami's Next Secondary Shift

Bryce Fitzgerald has spent the offseason reshaping his body and his role, and Miami is taking notice. The Hurricanes defensive back added 20 pounds of muscle while continuing to show the kind of versatility that has made him useful across the secondary, a trait that matters even more now as the staff works through changes at nickelback.

With Keionte Scott out of that spot, Miami has been sorting through options and Fitzgerald is part of that conversation because he is comfortable moving around and brings a sturdier frame than he did a year ago. Boston College transfer Omar Thornton was projected there in spring practice, but Fitzgeralds development gives the Hurricanes another intriguing path as they look to settle a key piece of the defense. [Read more 🡒]

Miami Suddenly Has A New Florida Recruiting Battle To Watch

JC Wessels path into the recruiting spotlight has been a little different than most. He started his high school career at Frederica Academy in Georgia, then moved to Bolles High School in Florida to get more exposure and a higher level of weekly competition, a switch that has already paid off in a big way for the rising tight end.

After a strong showing at the Navy All-American Combine, Wessels profile took off, and programs that barely had him on the radar before are now paying close attention. He entered 2026 with just three offers, but that number has since climbed past 25, setting up a new Florida recruiting battle that could matter to Miami and the rest of the states big programs as they try to keep a talented newcomer close to home. [Read more 🡒]

Why Miami Fans Should Be Wary Of Belichick's UNC In 2026

Bill Belichicks first year at North Carolina did not bring the kind of immediate lift Tar Heel fans imagined, and the buildup to 2026 already looks like a tougher test. UNC finished 4-8, sits just 27th in recruiting and 33rd when the portal is folded in, and now has to navigate a schedule that should tell a lot about where the program really stands under a coach whose name still carries enormous weight.

The bigger concern for Miami fans is how quickly that pressure could turn into urgency in Chapel Hill. UNC brings back only 44% of its production, has a new athletic director in place, and faces the kind of expensive contract situation that can make patience harder to find if the results do not improve. With a new quarterback battle looming and a daunting slate ahead, the Tar Heels could be dangerous in 2026, but they could also be one bad season away from a much louder conversation. [Read more 🡒]