2025 Miami Hurricanes Commitment List and Evaluations
The Miami Hurricanes have produced an elite 2023 recruiting class and continued to chip away at the 2024 recruiting class as well. Yes, the Canes have already made progress with the 2025 recruits, too.
Below is a running list of prospects who have committed to Mario Cristobal and Miami’s 2025 recruiting class. There will be extended prospect player profiles added over time as well.
Total Commitments: 4
Quarterback: 1
Luke Nickel, 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Milton (Ga.) High School
Podcast with Luke Nickel and Corey Carmona
Committed Aug. 12, 2023.
Dominant performance during the Battle Miami seven-on-seven tournament helps to prove he's one of the nation's most accurate and cerebral passers. He led Cam Newton's C1N team to the title. Nickel was the top player at the event and this Battle tournament has as many elite players as any that will be played this year. Nickel made similar strides in leading Milton to the 7A Georgia state title during his junior campaign.
Nickel already showcased above-average arm strength as a mere junior in high school. Nickel’s frame and obvious physical strength were on display as a sophomore as well. He does well with over-the-top touch throws, too.
Nickel has also been good outside of the pocket, as his mobility has enabled him to be a true dual-threat quarterback. Operating the run-pass option game well, some of Nickel’s biggest sophomore plays came from tucking the football and running; he’s not been afraid to lower his shoulder either. Having landed Nickel so early in the process, he will probably help the Canes in luring other prospects to Coral Gables. Nickel has been active as a recruiter for Miami.
Wide Receiver: 1
Waden Charles, 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Palm Beach (Fla.) Central
Committed Sep. 10, 2023.
Length, that’s the first thing that one would have likely noticed when seeing Charles in person. Being 6-foot-2 helps, but it would be the long arms that Charles has used that helped him catch contested passes through the first couple of years of high school. He’s continued that trend as a junior as well. Unlike many lanky receivers, Charles has shown a suddenness with his style of play.
He’s been able to take a “look” pass that’s parallel to the line of scrimmage and make defenders miss in tight quarters, as one example. If Charles continues that trend as he gains size, he could be one of Florida’s top 2025 prospects, if not the nation’s.
Offensive Line: 1
Lamar Williams, Offensive Line, 6-foot-7, 280 pounds, Gadsden (Fla.) Gadsden County
Committed Feb. 2, 2024
Power player. That's the best way to define Williams as he enters the spring of his junior year. The fourth Hurricanes' commitment plays better downhill at this point of his career, like most high school offensive linemen.
When he pulls and comes around the corner, that's when Williams is in his element. Any type of short-area power block suits him well, honestly. Pass protection is the area where Williams is going to need the most work before being ready to start for the Hurricanes.
Pass protection is almost always the last step to being ready to play at the college level and Williams is no different. He simply needs more reps against elite pass rushers. His film does show that he possesses the tools to start for Miami.
Playing right tackle for Gadsden County, Williams provides natural arm length for pass protection. Once he has his hands on the defender, the opposing player can rarely power through one of his pass blocks. Williams pushes edge rushers out wide and past the drop of the quarterback.
Linebacker: 1
Elijah Melendez
Elijah Melendez, 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola
Committed Dec. 16, 2023
Began his career as a running back in Colorado, but his move to Kissimmee took place before the 2022 season. He's since moved to the linebacker position and flourished.
Melendez is as sculpted as one can be. He's 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds. Playing middle linebacker, he provides an old-school feel with his downhill style. Melendez looks for contact by smashing into lead blockers and blowing up the play. Then, he still finds his way to the ball carrier after a big collision.
He's not just an in-the-box linebacker either. Melendez possesses the speed to get home as a blitzer from the edge or a defender that can chase down a mobile quarterback from behind. He's one of the nation's most sought-after prospects and is a huge addition to the Miami 2025 recruiting class.
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