Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes aren’t wasting any time on the recruiting trail-and they’ve got their sights set on one of the South’s rising defensive backs.
Chase Johnson, a 2027 four-star cornerback out of Emanuel County High School in Swainsboro, Georgia, has just named Miami among his top schools. The Canes are in for a classic Southeastern recruiting battle, going head-to-head with Florida, Florida State, Georgia, and Auburn. That’s two in-state rivals and two SEC powerhouses-exactly the kind of competition you expect when you're chasing elite DB talent in this part of the country.
Johnson is currently ranked as the No. 20 cornerback nationally and the No. 19 overall player in Georgia, per 247Sports. At 5-foot-10 and 150 pounds, he’s still filling out his frame, but the tools are there. He’s got time to grow, and more importantly, he’s got the skill set that’s already catching the attention of major programs.
Miami was ahead of the curve here, extending an offer back on April 3, 2025. Since then, the relationship has only strengthened. Johnson made the trip down to South Florida this past season for the Hurricanes’ showdown with Notre Dame-a marquee matchup that gave him a firsthand look at the game-day environment and the defensive culture Miami is building under Cristobal.
And it’s not just Miami in the mix. Johnson’s offer sheet is stacked: Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Auburn, Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Michigan, Vanderbilt, and more. This is a full-on national recruitment, but Miami has done more than just throw their hat in the ring-they’ve positioned themselves as a serious contender.
Looking at the broader picture, Miami’s 2026 class is still in its early stages, with four commitments so far-two on offense. Adding a high-upside corner like Johnson to the 2027 class would be a significant step in reinforcing the defensive backfield and continuing the Canes’ push to re-establish themselves as a top-tier talent destination.
Bottom line: Chase Johnson is a name to know, and Miami is very much in the fight. This recruitment is far from over, but the Hurricanes have made it clear-they’re not backing down.