Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell has never been shy about repping his hometown, and as Miami gears up for a College Football Playoff quarterfinal clash with Ohio State at the Cotton Bowl, he’s making sure everyone knows where he stands - especially when it comes to South Florida talent suiting up for teams outside the 305.
Campbell, the former frontman of 2 Live Crew and a longtime fixture in Miami-Dade youth football, has turned his passion for the Hurricanes into a platform. On his podcast, The Uncle Luke Show, he’s been vocal about his frustrations with the current state of Miami’s recruiting - particularly when it comes to elite wide receivers like Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, a South Florida native.
Calling Out Kevin Beard
Campbell didn’t mince words when discussing Miami wide receivers coach Kevin Beard, laying the blame squarely at his feet for the Hurricanes missing out on Smith and other local pass-catching prospects.
“We're gonna have to beat Jeremiah Smith... he’s from South Florida,” Campbell said. “None of these receivers got no business playing at these other places. They’re supposed to be at Miami.”
Campbell went even further, calling Beard “the worst receiver coach in college football,” in his opinion, and questioning how the Hurricanes lost out on another high-profile local prospect - five-star Calvin Russell, who signed with Syracuse.
Russell, a standout at Miami Northwestern High School, was a regular at Hurricanes games this season. Miami was involved in his recruitment at various points, but ultimately couldn’t close the deal. Campbell pointed out that Russell was swayed by Fran Brown, Syracuse’s head coach, and questioned how Miami allowed that to happen on their own turf.
The Bright Side of 2026 Recruiting
To be fair, Beard hasn’t come up empty. Miami has landed two four-star wideouts in the 2026 class: Somourian Wingo from St.
Augustine, Florida, and Milan Parris out of Akron, Ohio. Wingo, in particular, has drawn rave reviews after a stellar senior season.
At 6’2”, 180 pounds, he’s a smooth route-runner with elite hands and a quick first step - the kind of player who could be a game-changer in Coral Gables.
Still, Campbell remains focused on the ones who got away - especially Smith, who’s expected to be a major factor for the Buckeyes in Wednesday night’s showdown.
Recruiting Pitch or Trash Talk?
Campbell didn’t stop at criticism - he also made a full-on pitch to Smith, telling him to “come back home” and declaring that he knows Smith “bleeds orange and green.”
“You just didn’t want to play for [Beard]. I can understand that, Jeremiah,” Campbell said. “But we’re gonna shut you down.”
That last part is where things get interesting. Miami’s secondary has been one of the team’s biggest strengths this season, and it’s coming off a dominant showing against Texas A&M. The Hurricanes’ defensive backs are physical, fast, and confident - the exact traits you need when going up against a receiver like Smith, who combines elite athleticism with polished route-running and strong hands.
Add in another dynamic threat in Carnell Tate, and you’ve got one of the most compelling matchups of bowl season. Can Miami’s corners lock down two of the most talented wideouts in the country? If they can, the Hurricanes may find themselves punching a ticket to the CFP semifinals.
What’s at Stake
This game is more than just a playoff quarterfinal - it’s a measuring stick for Miami’s program. After years of trying to climb back into the national spotlight, this is a chance to prove they belong among college football’s elite.
And for Campbell, it’s personal. The South Florida pipeline has long been the lifeblood of Miami football, and watching elite local talent shine elsewhere has been a sore spot for diehard Canes like him.
Wednesday night isn’t just about advancing in the playoff. It’s about pride, recruiting, and reclaiming Miami’s identity. And if the Hurricanes can slow down Jeremiah Smith - a player many believe should’ve been wearing orange and green - it’ll send a loud message to every five-star prospect watching from the 305 and beyond.
Game on.