With the transfer portal activity now in the books, Mario Cristobal and his Miami staff have turned their full attention to the next wave of talent-specifically, the class of 2027. This week, that meant hitting the recruiting trail hard, including a key stop in North Carolina to visit one of the nation’s most coveted prospects: Joshua Dobson.
Dobson, a dynamic cornerback with elite upside, has quickly become one of the hottest names in the 2027 recruiting cycle. On Thursday, Hurricanes defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman-coming off a standout first season in Coral Gables-made the trip to meet with the 5-star talent. It was a clear message from Miami: Dobson isn’t just on their radar, he’s a top priority.
Dobson currently holds 28 offers, and it’s a who’s who of college football heavyweights. Miami, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Clemson-the list goes on. He recently made an unofficial visit to Auburn, and more visits are sure to follow as programs across the country jockey for position in his recruitment.
According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Dobson is the No. 2 cornerback in the nation and the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2027 class. He’s also the top-ranked player in North Carolina, which speaks volumes about his impact on the field. At 5-star status, he’s not just a shutdown corner-he’s a potential game-changer at the next level.
There’s already buzz surrounding a photo of Dobson and Hetherman flashing the “U” together, both smiling wide. It’s the kind of image that gets fans dreaming-and recruiters working overtime.
For Miami, the next step will be getting Dobson on campus. A spring visit could be in the works, and an official visit during the season-when the Canes can showcase their electric game day atmosphere-would be a savvy move.
Miami’s 2027 class is already off to a strong start with early commitments from safety Jaylyn Jones, wide receiver Ah'Mari Stevens, EDGE rusher Demarcus Deroche, and offensive tackle Zaquan Linton. Adding Dobson to that group would take things to another level.
The Canes are clearly building something, and Dobson could be a cornerstone of that foundation. With Hetherman and Cristobal leading the charge, Miami’s making it known: they’re not just trying to compete for top talent-they’re aiming to land it.