The recruiting engine in Coral Gables isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal continue to push hard on the trail, and their latest target is a name to watch in the 2027 cycle: Reis Russell.
Russell, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound interior offensive lineman out of Valor Christian High School in Littleton, Colorado, just trimmed his list of suitors - and Miami made the cut. The Hurricanes are now one of six programs still in the hunt for the talented lineman, joining Florida, Washington, Oregon, Georgia, and SMU in what’s shaping up to be a highly competitive recruitment.
Russell is already holding over 20 offers, a testament to how quickly his stock has risen. And with spring recruiting heating up, schools are jockeying for position early. Miami’s staff has been proactive - Mirabal recently visited Russell, signaling just how serious the Hurricanes are about bringing him to The U.
From a scouting standpoint, Russell brings the kind of size and frame that coaches love to mold. At 6'4" and 290 pounds, he already has the physical tools to compete at the next level, and there’s plenty of room for growth as he heads into the latter half of his high school career. He’s currently rated as the No. 537 overall player in the 2027 class, the No. 2 prospect in Colorado, and the No. 34 interior offensive lineman nationally.
For Miami, this isn’t just about adding another name to the board - it’s about continuing to build a pipeline of tough, technically sound linemen who fit Cristobal and Mirabal’s vision for the trenches. The Hurricanes have made it clear they want to dominate up front, and targeting a player like Russell - early and aggressively - is part of that long-term strategy.
The competition will be fierce, especially with Florida in the mix as an in-state rival and national powers like Georgia and Oregon also vying for his commitment. But Miami’s early involvement and hands-on approach could give them an edge as the process unfolds.
Russell’s recruitment is still in its early stages, but make no mistake - this is a name Miami fans should keep on their radar. The Hurricanes are putting in the work, and if they can land Russell, it would be another strong statement about the direction of their offensive line room in the years ahead.