The Miami Hurricanes are staying aggressive on the recruiting trail, and their efforts are paying off with some serious national attention. Two of the top prospects in the 2027 class - four-star cornerback Josiah Molden and four-star wide receiver Jaden Upshaw - have both included Miami among their final group of schools. For a program looking to reassert itself on the national stage, these developments are more than just encouraging - they’re a sign that Miami is firmly in the mix for elite talent coast to coast.
Josiah Molden: Legacy, Talent, and a Coast-to-Coast Battle
Let’s start with Josiah Molden, the top-ranked player in Oregon for the 2027 cycle. Molden is a 6-foot, 175-pound cornerback out of West Linn, and his recruitment is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched in the country. He’s narrowed his list to six programs: Miami, Ohio State, USC, Oregon, Texas, and Washington - a group that reads like a who’s who of college football powerhouses.
What makes Molden’s recruitment even more compelling is the pedigree. He’s the younger brother of current NFL cornerback Elijah Molden, who’s making plays for the Los Angeles Chargers, and the son of Alex Molden, the former Oregon standout and 11th overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft. That kind of bloodline doesn’t just catch the eye of college coaches - it commands attention.
Miami’s been in the picture for a while. The Hurricanes extended an offer back in June of 2025, and that early investment could be key.
Pulling a top-tier West Coast defensive back all the way to South Florida is never easy, but it’s been done before - and the Canes have built a reputation for developing elite DBs. Molden would be a major addition to that legacy.
Jaden Upshaw: A Dynamic Weapon with National Interest
On the offensive side, Miami is also in the hunt for four-star wide receiver Jaden Upshaw, another blue-chip prospect in the 2027 class. Upshaw has trimmed his list to six as well: Alabama, Auburn, Miami, USC, Tennessee, and Texas A&M.
Upshaw’s recruitment has had a distinctly Southeastern flavor. He’s taken four unofficial visits to Florida, and made multiple trips to Auburn and Georgia.
Miami, USC, Alabama, and Clemson have each hosted him once. One of those visits was to Coral Gables, where he was on hand for Miami’s 26-7 win over Florida - a performance that undoubtedly left a strong impression.
For a receiver like Upshaw, who brings speed and versatility to the table, Miami’s offensive system could be an ideal fit. The Hurricanes have been looking to add more explosive playmakers, and Upshaw would bring just that. His ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch could make him a difference-maker at the next level.
Building the Future: Miami’s 2026 DB Class
While eyes are on the 2027 class, Miami’s already put together a solid group of defensive backs in its 2026 high school class - a foundation that could appeal to players like Molden looking for immediate competition and long-term development.
Here’s a quick rundown of the 2026 DB signees:
- Jaelen Waters, CB, Armwood (St. Petersburg, Fla.)
- Brody Jennings, DB, Mandarin (Jacksonville, Fla.)
- Camdin Portis, CB, Myers Park (Charlotte, N.C.)
- Cortez Redding, DB, Jonesboro (Atlanta)
- Jontavius Wyman, DB, Jonesboro (Atlanta)
- **JJ Dunnigan Jr. **, DB, Manhattan (Manhattan, Kan.)
This group brings a mix of size, speed, and versatility - and they’ll be looking to make their mark in Coral Gables. For a recruit like Molden, knowing he’d be joining a competitive, talented defensive backfield could be a draw rather than a deterrent. Iron sharpens iron, after all.
The Bigger Picture
Miami’s inclusion in the final lists for both Molden and Upshaw speaks volumes about the program’s national reach and recruiting momentum. Competing with the likes of Alabama, Ohio State, and USC isn’t easy - but it’s the company Miami wants to keep. And if they can close on even one of these elite prospects, it could be a major statement about where the Hurricanes are headed.
For now, the wait continues. But one thing’s clear: Miami is in the room, and in recruiting, that’s half the battle.