CORAL GABLES, FL — In a move that sent shockwaves across the college football recruiting landscape, the University of Miami Hurricanes have pulled off a stunning flip as four-star linebacker Justin Edwards, originally committed to Rutgers, has officially switched his allegiance to “The U” for the 2026 class.
Edwards, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound defensive powerhouse out of Norcross, Georgia, had long been regarded as the centerpiece of Rutgers’ future defense. That’s no longer the case. In a dramatic twist following his unofficial visit to Coral Gables last weekend, the highly sought-after recruit announced via a social media post and live stream that he would now be committing to the Hurricanes — a moment that has fans and analysts buzzing coast to coast.
“This is home now,” Edwards said, donning the green and orange with a wide smile. “From the moment I stepped on campus, it just felt right. The energy, the tradition, the coaches — everything about Miami is what I’ve been looking for.”
Sources close to the Miami staff confirmed that Head Coach Mario Cristobal and Defensive Coordinator Lance Guidry had made Edwards their top linebacker target once he expressed openness to visiting other programs. That focus and persistence clearly paid off.
Edwards brings with him a devastating first step, elite sideline-to-sideline speed, and the kind of football IQ that allows him to anticipate plays before they unfold. Scouts compare his instincts to former Canes greats and project him as a future centerpiece of Miami’s defense — potentially even as a freshman contributor.
Recruiting insiders suggest this is more than just a single flip — it’s a potential domino effect. “Edwards committing to Miami could start a chain reaction,” said 247Sports analyst Carl Thomas. “When a top-tier talent makes a move like this, other recruits take notice. It signals momentum, swagger, and real belief in the program’s future.”
The Hurricanes’ 2026 recruiting class now surges into national relevance, with Edwards joining an already promising group. Miami fans, who have been hungry for a return to dominance on the defensive side of the ball, now have a new reason to believe. As one jubilant alum put it on local radio, “We just stole the future heartbeat of a defense — and he’s coming to the crib.”
In a world where recruiting battles are often won in the margins, the ‘Canes just scored a major win, and the ripples may be felt for years to come. Edwards’ flip isn’t just a commitment. It’s a statement — that the U is rising, and fast