The Miami Hurricanes went all in for a game-changer, but this time, the swing came up empty. Five-star running back Kemon Spell, the top-ranked RB in the 2027 recruiting class, gave his commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs on Monday - a big-time win for Kirby Smart and company, and a tough miss for Mario Cristobal’s staff.
Spell, a 5-foot-10, 210-pound force out of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, had his pick of college football powerhouses. He narrowed it down to Georgia, Penn State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Miami - but ultimately, Athens won out. When the No. 1 running back in the country makes his decision, it's going to ripple across the recruiting landscape, and this one definitely sent a jolt through it.
The buzz around Spell has been building for a while, and he cemented his elite status with back-to-back monster performances in the playoffs - 280 yards in one game, 274 in the next. Those aren’t just big numbers; they’re the kind of showings that make defensive coordinators lose sleep and college coaches salivate. Spell’s blend of power, vision, and burst makes him a plug-and-play threat at the next level, and Georgia just added a future star to its backfield.
For Miami, missing out on Spell stings, no doubt. But the 2027 class in Coral Gables still has plenty of firepower - and momentum.
The Hurricanes have been making noise on the field, and that success is translating to the recruiting trail. Cristobal’s current haul features several high-upside prospects from South Florida, including:
- Demarcus Deroche (ATH) from Cardinal Gibbons in Fort Lauderdale - a versatile playmaker who could impact either side of the ball.
- Ah’Mari Stevens (WR) out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep - a smooth, explosive pass-catcher with big-play ability.
- Jaylyn Jones (S) from McArthur in Davie - rangy and physical on the back end.
- Zaquan Linton (OT) from Palm Beach Central - a big-bodied, athletic tackle who could be a key piece in the trenches.
That’s a solid core, and it’s still early in the 2027 cycle. Miami’s staff has shown they can close strong, and with the program trending upward, they’re in position to stay competitive in the recruiting arms race.
And let’s not overlook the current depth in Miami’s running back room - which might have played a role in Spell’s decision. The Canes are stacked heading into 2026, especially with Mark Fletcher Jr. opting to return rather than declare for the NFL Draft.
That’s a major boost. Add in Girard Pringle Jr., who’s back in the fold after a brief stint in the transfer portal, and the Hurricanes are loaded at the position.
Here’s a quick look at what Miami’s backs did in 2025:
- Mark Fletcher Jr.: 216 carries, 1,192 yards (5.52 YPC), 12 TDs on the ground - plus 17 receptions for 140 yards and two more scores through the air. That’s a workhorse season.
- CharMar Brown: 122 carries, 474 yards (3.89 YPC), seven rushing TDs, and 20 catches for 138 yards with two receiving scores. Solid complementary production.
- Girard Pringle Jr.: 62 carries, 375 yards (6.05 YPC), four rushing TDs, and a receiving touchdown to boot. Explosive in limited touches.
- Jordan Lyle and Chris Wheatley-Humphrey also contributed, rounding out a deep and talented group.
So while Spell would’ve been a headline addition, Miami’s backfield is hardly lacking. The Canes are in good shape for 2026, and the recruiting trail is still wide open for 2027. Cristobal and his staff have proven they can reload - and they’ll be back in the mix for more top-tier talent soon enough.