Notre Dame is getting a shot at one of Miami’s prized defensive pledges, and the timing makes it sting a little more for the Hurricanes.
Four-star linebacker AJ Randle Jr. is expected to head to South Bend this weekend for an official visit, with Notre Dame set to host him for Saturday’s game against Boston College. Randle is one of the top defensive names in Miami’s 2027 class, and the Irish now have a real chance to try to pry him away from a commit they just beat.
Randle, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound linebacker from Garner High School in North Carolina, committed to Miami on May 21. His offer list included Florida, Georgia, Ohio State, South Carolina and NC State.
The rankings paint the picture of a highly regarded prospect. Rivals has Randle at No. 59 nationally, No. 5 among linebackers and No. 5 in North Carolina.
247Sports slots him at No. 55 nationally, No. 2 at linebacker and No. 3 in the state. ESPN ranks him No. 115 nationally, No. 9 among linebackers and No. 5 in North Carolina.
Rivals Industry Ranking lists him at No. 65 nationally, No. 5 at linebacker and No. 5 in North Carolina.
Randle has backed up that billing with production this fall. In 10 regular-season games during his senior season, he has 66 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defended and three fumble recoveries.
His junior year was even more loaded statistically: 84 tackles, six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, one sack and an interception in 13 games. He also contributed on offense in 2025, rushing for 119 yards and four touchdowns on 20 carries while adding five catches for 111 yards and two scores.
Miami now sits atop the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, with Notre Dame in third. Losing Randle would be a notable blow for the Hurricanes, especially after they just moved into the No. 1 spot following Brysen Wright’s commitment.
How Miami responds will be worth watching. Mario Cristobal and his staff typically don’t spend long entertaining a bidding war once a recruit is locked in, and if Randle makes the trip, the expectation is that Miami may simply move on.
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