Hurricanes land blue-chip defensive lineman Ezekiel Ayangbile

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The Miami Hurricanes added a standout defender to its 2027 recruiting class on Friday afternoon.

Four-star defensive line prospect Ezekiel Ayangbile committed to the Hurricanes over offers from LSU and Virginia Tech, among others. He announced his commitment on Rivals’ YouTube page.

“It all came down to connection,” Ayangbile told Rivals, “and I think I truly had a bond with the coaches that was more like a brotherhood than just a transactional relationship. And that was the case with both the other schools in my choices … but I truly think that Miami is the place for me.”

Ayangbile is listed as the No. 23 defensive lineman and No. 227 player in the class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.

Ayangbile, a Houston native, chose Miami despite both of his parents being Virginia Tech alumni. His father is Duane Brown, a former Hokie star offensive lineman and five-time NFL Pro Bowl player during stints with the Texans, Seahawks and Jets. He was a first-round pick by the Texans in 2008. His mother, Ciera Ayangbile, competed in track and field for Virginia Tech.

Ayangbile, who is listed at 6-2 and 265 pounds, had 50 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three sacks last season at Langham Creek High in Houston, Texas. He is a Navy All-American.

“I’m very excited to work with (the Miami coaching staff), and I think that they’re going to take me to the next level in my game,” Ayangbile said. “And I think they’re going to be able to develop me into a great NFL player within three years, maybe four.”

Ayangbile is the second defensive lineman in Miami’s 2027 class, joining three-star Key West native Josh Johnson.

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