Miami flips defensive lineman Isaac Chukwurah from Penn State

Bear (Del.) Caravel Academy defensive lineman Isaac Chukwurah has told Rivals that he has flipped his commitment from Penn State to Miami.

The 6-foot-2, 260-pound Chukwurah was in Coral Gables over the weekend, a trip highlighted by the Hurricanes victory over Syracuse.

Chukwurah adds to a class Rivals ranked No. 10 nationally.

“I think No. 1 the program itself,” Chukwurah said. “Miami they have a lot of rich history putting d-linemen in the draft, having a lot of players come out of Miami and being successful.

“Talking with the coaches their plan for me matched everything I want to do in life in terms of schooling and ultimately going to the NFL. I think Miami is the right place for me.”

Tabbed by Rivals as the No. 29 defensive lineman in the 2026 class, Chukwurah had been a verbal to Penn State since April. Talks with Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes staff have him excited about his new future in South Florida.

“I could tell he’s a winner,” Chukwurah said. “He wants to win. That’s what I want to be. I want to be a winner in everything I do. Talking to him was one of the most appealing things in this process and made me want to come join him and continue to build what he’s building.”

Chukwurah felt at home during his official visit and committed before leaving. He also considered NC State and Syracuse.

“I would say the environment,” he said. “Being at the game was one thing. The energy was obviously there and of course the fans definitely love Miami football. Also the lifestyle in Miami, there’s so many things to do. Football, internships and the campus itself, there are a lot of good things to make you successful in life.

“I’d say it’s a win-win on and off the field.”

Chukwurah believes his class will help Miami reach that next level.

“National Championship for sure,” Chukwurah said. “Everyone is coming in with the right mindset to work and play hard.

“Nothing but a National Championship.”

More on what Miami is getting in Chukwurah

Miami is looking for pass rushers across the front and on film Chukwurah proves to be a disrupter in the middle of the defense. He’s a high-motored, two-way, point-of-attack player with length and the physicality coveted at the position.

Chukwurah is also a basketball player that averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds per game. Has the balance, change of direction quickness and explosiveness to blossom into a dominant player.

Miami is excited to add Chukwurah to a class that already includes Keshawn Stancil, Tyson Bacon, and Frederic Sainteus on the defensive line.

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