This month, the Miami Hurricanes secured a commitment from OT Jackson Cantwell, the top-ranked 2026 prospect, after a long recruitment where many thought he would sign with Georgia.
As the “U” continues its rebuild, how is Miami HC Mario Cristobal turning the program around? What’s the secret behind the ‘Canes’ recruiting success?
Miami HC Mario Cristobal Reveals His Secret to Landing Top Recruits
Miami HC Mario Cristobal joined college football analyst Greg McElroy’s “Always College Football” podcast to discuss his recruiting approach. He made no mention of NIL, which was a hot topic after Cantwell pledged to play for the Hurricanes.
“We keep it simple. We do it like it’s our very own son,” Cristobal said last week. “And there are days where me and my son, man, we are like buddies and everything’s fun, and there are other days I get after his ass like there’s no tomorrow. Because I want him to be elite, I want him to be great. And that’s our promise to every parent,” he explained.
“You know, that doesn’t mean you’re perfect, but it means your intentions are… Our players know and understand that we are completely committed to making them the absolute best they can be, because they have some unbelievable goals and dreams that are really difficult, man.”
Cristobal understands what goes into being an elite football player. He was an all-conference offensive tackle for Miami under Jimmy Johnson and Dennis Erickson.
“There’s no harder job market than playing football for a living,” Cristobal said. “There’s not much wiggle room in getting there and staying there, so we have to create all the different processes and ways for them to achieve that,” Cristobal continued.
“… Increase their value and stay as long as they can, with keeping Miami first, at the forefront of the priority list. The balance is just being real, man. There’s no B.S. to it. I’d be awful if I had to. I mean, man, I couldn’t fake that stuff.”
The program means more to Cristobal than just a job. He notices a respect for the team’s culture and history from his players, as well.
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“I get that sense, and then when they see guys like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed show up, and Greg Olsen and Dan Morgan, when they see these guys show up and they’re like, ‘Oh, my Lord, we’re practicing on that same field,'” Cristobal said.
“That’s sacred ground out there. That’s not something that is to be taken lightly. But, yeah, I think it’s not a job. This was everything. Always has been everything, always will be everything.”
Miami will look to build on their 10-win season from just a year ago when they kick off their 2025 season on August 30 against Notre Dame. They’ll also have tough tests against Florida, Florida State, Louisville, SMU, and N.C. State.
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