The Miami Hurricanes aren’t backing down from a recruiting challenge-and they’ve set their sights on one of the biggest names in the 2027 class: five-star defensive tackle Jalen Brewster. Despite Brewster being committed to Texas Tech since October, Miami is making it clear they’re not content to sit this one out.
Hurricanes defensive line coach Damione Lewis recently made the trip to Cedar Hill, Texas to visit Brewster in person. The message was loud and clear-Miami is serious about trying to flip the nation’s top defensive line prospect. Lewis even posed for a photo in the weight room with Brewster, throwing up the signature "U" hand sign, a subtle but unmistakable recruiting pitch.
Let’s talk about why this is such a big deal.
According to the 247Sports Composite, Brewster isn’t just another blue-chip recruit. He’s the No. 1 defensive lineman in the country, the No. 3 overall player in the state of Texas, and ranks No. 5 nationally in the 2027 cycle.
He’s already holding 28 official offers, though he hasn’t taken any official visits yet. Miami hasn’t extended an offer at this point, but given Lewis’ visit, it’s safe to say one could be coming soon.
Trying to flip a player of Brewster’s caliber-especially one already committed to a program in his home state-is no small task. Miami is coming in late to the party, and that’s rarely ideal in the recruiting world. But the Hurricanes have something that not every school can offer: national brand power, a strong developmental track record, and a coaching staff that knows how to mold elite defensive linemen.
Lewis, alongside head coach Mario Cristobal, has helped build a defensive line room that’s producing serious NFL talent. Rueben Bain Jr. is tracking as a top-12 pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, and Akheem Mesidor-his edge-rushing counterpart-has first-round potential of his own. That kind of success speaks volumes to recruits like Brewster, who are looking not just for playing time, but for a clear path to the pros.
Of course, Texas Tech isn’t without its own selling points. The Red Raiders have built a reputation for a tough, high-energy defense, and they’ve done a solid job developing talent under the current regime. Brewster’s commitment to Tech wasn’t a fluke-they’ve made a strong case to keep him in-state.
But when you’re a program like Miami, you don’t shy away from big swings. The Hurricanes just landed Darian Mensah and Cooper Barkate through the transfer portal, showing they’re still a major player in the recruiting and transfer game. Adding Brewster to that mix would be a massive win.
Financial resources aren’t likely to be a deciding factor here. Both Miami and Texas Tech have shown they’re willing to invest in top-tier talent, and both can offer Brewster a legitimate shot at early playing time and NFL development. Ultimately, this may come down to personal preference-whether Brewster wants to stay close to home or take his talents to South Florida.
Either way, Miami’s pursuit of Jalen Brewster is worth watching. It’s a long shot, but if the Hurricanes can get him on campus and into a conversation, anything’s possible. This is the kind of recruiting battle that defines programs-and Miami is making it clear they’re not out of the fight.