The Miami Hurricanes football program has made significant strides in bolstering its secondary for the 2025 recruiting class, securing commitments from several elite four-star cornerbacks. These additions are poised to enhance the team’s defensive capabilities and continue the momentum established by recent recruiting successes.
### Jaboree Antoine: A Strategic Addition
One of the most notable commitments is that of Jaboree Antoine, a 6-foot-1, 170-pound cornerback from New Iberia, Louisiana. Initially committed to LSU, Antoine decommitted in June 2024 and chose Miami over Florida State and LSU. Ranked as the No. 8 cornerback and No. 71 overall prospect by 247Sports, Antoine brings a blend of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability to the Hurricanes’ defense. Despite missing significant time due to injuries, his sophomore season showcased his potential with five interceptions and 11 pass breakups .([ESPN.com][1], [Miami Hurricane][2], [Miami Herald][3])
### Chris Ewald Jr.: Local Talent with National Recognition
Miami also secured a commitment from local standout Chris Ewald Jr., a 6-foot, 170-pound cornerback from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida. Ewald, a MaxPreps Freshman All-American, had an impressive junior season with 20 pass breakups, contributing to his team’s Florida 1M title. Previously committed to Michigan, Ewald flipped to Miami in June 2024. His technical skills and familiarity with the local program make him a valuable addition to the Hurricanes’ secondary .([Miami Hurricane][2])
### Timothy Merritt: Length and Versatility
Adding depth to the cornerback position, Timothy Merritt, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound prospect from the 2025 class, committed to Miami in June 2024. Merritt’s length and versatility are assets that defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman can utilize in various coverage schemes. His commitment followed an official visit to Miami, where he expressed a strong connection to the program and its coaching staff .([miami.rivals.com][4], [My Blog][5], [On3][6])
### Building a Strong Secondary
These commitments are part of a broader strategy by head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff to strengthen the Hurricanes’ defense. With a focus on securing top-tier talent in the secondary, Miami aims to develop a formidable defensive unit capable of competing at the highest levels of college football.([ESPN.com][1])
As the 2025 recruiting class continues to take shape, the addition of these four-star cornerbacks underscores Miami’s commitment to returning to prominence in college football. With a blend of local talent and national recruits, the Hurricanes are positioning themselves for success in the upcoming seasons.