Hayden Stepp, one of the most coveted defensive backs in the 2027 recruiting cycle, has narrowed his list of potential college destinations to five - and the Miami Hurricanes are still very much in the mix. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound cornerback out of Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) is a name that's been buzzing across recruiting circles, and for good reason.
Stepp brings a rare blend of size, length, and fluidity to the cornerback position - the kind of physical profile that makes defensive coordinators salivate. He’s currently ranked as a top-25 national recruit by Rivals, and the other major recruiting services are just as bullish. 247Sports has him pegged as the No. 23 overall player and the No. 4 corner in the class, while ESPN slots him even higher at No. 15 overall and third at his position.
This past season, Stepp put together a solid campaign with 24 tackles and four pass breakups - numbers that only scratch the surface of his impact. Opposing quarterbacks didn’t test him often, and when they did, they rarely found success. His presence on the field forced offenses to adjust, and his ability to cover ground and close passing windows with his long frame sets him apart from most high school corners.
Stepp’s elite status has already earned him invitations to two of the biggest showcases in high school football: the 2026 Under Armour All-America Game and the 2026 Polynesian Bowl. Those selections are more than just honors - they’re validation that he’s among the best of the best in his class.
Joining Miami on Stepp’s final five are Oregon, Alabama, Clemson, and Tennessee - all programs with strong track records of developing elite defensive backs and sending them to the NFL. It’s a heavyweight battle, and Miami is right in the thick of it.
For the Hurricanes, landing Stepp would be a massive statement in their 2027 recruiting efforts. But he’s not the only elite defensive back they’re eyeing.
Miami is also in the hunt for Chuck Roberts, another top-tier DB who’s set to announce his commitment on December 29. Roberts is considering seven schools - Miami, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington - and his decision could help shape what Miami’s secondary might look like for years to come.
The Canes already have one safety locked in for 2027 in Jaylyn Jones, and if they can add Stepp and possibly Roberts, they’d be building on what’s already been a strong recent run at the position. In the 2026 cycle, Miami brought in a deep group of defensive backs, including four cornerbacks and two safeties - a class that laid the foundation for a revamped secondary.
The message from Miami is clear: they’re stacking talent on the back end of their defense, and they’re not slowing down. Stepp’s recruitment is far from over, but with the Hurricanes still standing in his final five, they’ve got a real shot at landing one of the premier lockdown corners in the country.