Hurricanes hosting many of the nation’s top prospects for ‘special’ FSU game

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Miami won’t just be competing against Florida State on Saturday night.

The Hurricanes will be competing with teams around the nation to get the favor of some of the nation’s top high school recruits. No. 3 Miami is hosting a long list of high-end prospects for the game, including many of their committed prospects and some of the top uncommitted recruits in the 2028 class.

“It’s definitely exciting,” said four-star 2027 linebacker Aston Whiteside. “You can tell how much this game means to both programs and their fans. Being able to experience that atmosphere in person is something special.”

Said four-star 2028 Jacksonville Bolles prospect Jaxon Flowers: “Coaches will tell you that it’s just another game, but it’s not. Everyone knows each other and most have played for or against each other for a long time. Bragging rights are definitely on the line, and everyone will get up for this game. Games like this [are] where you show what you’re made of. I can’t wait.”

Whiteside, a Texas A&M commit, is one of the key prospects who will be in attendance on Saturday. Other top recruits committed elsewhere (or who are uncommitted) include 2028 five-star prospects like wide receiver Brysen Wright, offensive lineman Maui Tonata, wide receiver Jaylen Addai and safety Casey Barner.

The touted quartet of Bolles 2028 stars — Flowers (a four-star safety), Asher Ghioto (five-star defensive end), Xander Edwards (four-star running back) and J.C. Wessel (four-star tight end) — are all making the trip. Ghioto said they are traveling from Jacksonville to South Florida together.

“I’ve been playing football with Asher and Xander since we were six,” Flowers said, “so it’s cool that we still get a chance to play together and get recruited by some of the same schools. I met J.C. this year, and it’s been great having him on the team.”

Ghioto said he wants to see a strong defensive performance from UM this weekend.

“I hope to see Miami’s defense swarm and get after the quarterback,” Ghioto said.

Whiteside said attending a game with so many other prospects makes for a fun atmosphere.

“I think it makes the experience even better,” Whiteside said. “You get to meet other recruits, build relationships and share the experience with guys who are going through the same process. The energy is definitely different when there are that many talented players around.”

Whiteside, who is still considering the Hurricanes, said he wants to see UM’s “energy, physicality and competitiveness.”

“It’s a big rivalry game, so I want to see how the team responds to that atmosphere and competes for four quarters,” Whiteside said.

The Hurricanes also will have a large contingent of committed prospects in attendance. Eighteen of the 20 members of Miami’s 2027 class are expected to come to Saturday’s game.

Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. was once in these players’ position. He was a four-star recruit and was originally an Ohio State commit before choosing to go to Miami. The veteran running back had a message for the prospective future Hurricanes.

“If you’re a dog, you’re going to come to Miami, and I’m just going to leave it at that,” Fletcher said. “If you’re a dog, you come to Miami. If you’re not a dog, God bless you.”

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