Seven schools that are recruiting South Florida the best for the 2026 cycle

South Florida is one of the most fertile grounds for high school football talent, and some schools are recruiting at a higher level in the area compared to others.

After the updated Rivals300, we examine which schools are recruiting the Tri-County area (Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach) the best for the 2026 cycle, based on the quantity and quality of prospects committed.

Texas

Commits: Dia Bell, James Johnson

The Longhorns have the top two 2026 recruits from Florida, and both will play their high school ball in South Florida for their senior seasons.

Bell is the top quarterback in the country, having won the Elite 11 competition, which is awarded to the best quarterback in the country, and continues to impress this offseason.

The Longhorns first offered Bell after a visit to Austin in March of 2024, and three weeks later, he committed after a camp on campus. Quarterbacks coach AJ Milwee has done a tremendous job maintaining a strong relationship with Bell, as he has never wavered.

Johnson’s flip to Texas comes as a surprise, as the top D-Tackle in the nation committed to Georgia earlier in July. Coach Kenny Baker was a significant reason he chose to flip to the Longhorns.

Florida State

Commits: Jasen Lopez, Tedarius Hughes, Darryl Bell, Brandon Bennett, Karon Maycock

From a numbers and quality standpoint, the Noles are the top program when it comes to recruiting South Florida. All five prospects are ranked in the top 50 at their positions, and Lopez, the top FSU Tri-County commit, came as a bit of a surprise.

However, wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr., originally from Miami-Dade County, and defensive backs coach Pat Surtain, a former high school football coach for powerhouse American Heritage (Plantation) in South Florida, are two significant factors in why FSU’s footprint remains in the state.

The Seminoles have assembled an impressive South Florida class that will likely continue to grow.

USF

Commits: Demetrius Geathers, Jordan Thompson, Derrick Nichols

The Bulls have done a nice job of gathering players who are flying under the radar in South Florida. USF acquired talented three-star talents in West Boca edge Demetrius Geathers, American Heritage cornerback Derrick Nichols, and Coconut Creek running back Jordan Thompson.

Miami alumnus and defensive line coach Kevin Patrick is very familiar with South Florida, and defensive backs coach DeMarcus Van Dyke, also a Miami alum, is considered an elite recruiter for the area.

Considering how two of the big three (Miami and Florida) landed one and two players from the area, you can’t ask for much more from the Bulls.

FIU

Commits: Malik Penson, Jakari Johnson, Jordan Davis, Jayden Ford, Noah Sidan

The other Miami school always finds a way to get plenty of unsung heroes, and the 2026 class is no different. True North wide receiver Malik Penson, Plantation safety Jakari Johnson, and Chaminade-Madonna Prep specialist Noah Siden could all exceed expectations on the college level.

Western offensive lineman Jordan Davis and Miami Central running back Jayden Ford, perhaps, have the most upside. Davis has a solid frame that can be a pillar for the Panthers’ offensive line for years to come, and Ford is as explosive and shifty as any other player in Florida.

Offensive line coach Edwin Pata and running backs coach Benedick Hyppolite have deep ties to South Florida and will continue to find gems from the area.

Syracuse

Commits: Calvin Russell, Kamron Wilson, Brayden Charney

Head Coach Fran Brown continues to do well in South Florida, and none more evident than landing wide receiver Calvin Russell days ago. Landing the five-star recruit from Miami Northwestern sent a message to the country that the team from upstate New York can compete with anyone from anywhere.

Brown has also done well in acquiring high-upside three-star Miami Southridge edge Kamron Wilson, who continues to get better, and a solid 6’6″ three-star offensive lineman in Brayden Charney from Cardinal Newman in Palm Beach is a nice find.

West Virginia

Commits: Jyron Hughley, Cameron Dwyer, Antione Sharp

The Mountaineers landed all their South Florida commits from Palm Beach County, and the crown jewel is certainly do-it-all quarterback Jyron Hughley from Cardinal Newman. He could very well be the next best dual-threat quarterback under Rich Rodriguez, who is now back in Morgantown.

Three-star Palm Beach Central linebackers Cameron Dwyer and Antione Sharp are nice additions for D-Coordinator Zac Alley‘s defense.

Toledo

Commits: Shmar Akande, Rodarian Tellez, Kevin White

It’s not very often that a MAC school excels in recruiting South Florida, but such is the case with Toledo. Three-star South Broward cornerback Shmar Akande can develop his frame and football instincts to become a consistent contributor.

Three-star American Heritage edge Rodarian Tellez has shown plenty of potential and can boost his stock with a solid senior season, and three-star Miami Killian corner Kevin White has the skills to break the starting lineup for the Rockets.

Schools With Two South Florida Commits

Miami: Jordan Campbell, Javian Mallory

Georgia Tech: Jeffar Jean-Noel, Kymani Morales

Western Kentucky: Isaac Tanis, Leonzay Merzius