Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame has the lead in the recruiting race for 4-star 2027 WR Julius Jones Jr., according to Rivals RPM. Though the Irish have a family tie with him, the St. Thomas Aquinas standout put the Hurricanes at the top of his released Top-8 schools, and the reason isn’t Miami’s national title game appearance this past season.

Jones Jr. received his first offer after his freshman-year state game from Miami wide receivers coach Kevin Beard. Beard showed significant interest in the Top-100 wideout out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which may be why he has reportedly become a major reason Miami has taken a firm stance in the 4-star receiver’s recruitment.

“Coach Beard is great,” said Jones to Rivals. “Everybody loves Coach Beard, and so do I. It’s always great getting around him and hearing all of the knowledge he has to share. He’s a really great coach. I love being around him. We have a really great relationship. He’s the best.”

On Wednesday, Rivals’ EJ Holland shared the 2027 WR’s statement on X. Not only does Beard’s support give Miami an edge in this recruiting race, but Mario Cristobal’s involvement also matters. The head coach’s visit to St. Thomas Aquinas to see the receiver and spend time with his family played a major role as well.

“It was great,” stated Jones. “I got to actually sit down and talk to him, which was really good. He had a great conversation with me and my family. He told me to keep going and keep pushing. They came up a little short, but they are going to keep pushing and come back even stronger.”

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However, Marcus Freeman’s program isn’t far behind in this race, as Jones Jr.’s father has a connection with the Fighting Irish. From 1999 to 2003, Julius Jones Sr. played at Notre Dame as an RB. This family legacy could become a factor in sealing the deal.

In fact, ND has a 90.7% chance of landing the WR, according to On3. More importantly, the Irish will soon get a chance to make a lasting impression, as the 2027 4-star WR has a spring visit with them. This is where Cristobal’s personal visit is paying off, as Jones Jr. also plans to visit the Miami campus this spring. If the Hurricanes are able to convince the WR enough, offering what he wants for his future, then it could favor them.

“I’m definitely looking to get up there soon,” Jones Jr. said. “It’s like second nature going to a Miami practice. I love everybody up there. I just want to see what they have in store for me and what I can do for them. I also want to see how the practices are going.”

In this scenario, Miami’s WR development can tempt this 2027 4-star. After strong performances in the 2025 National Championship game, Miami WRs CJ Daniels and Keelan Marion have declared for the 2026 NFL draft. Before that, the program had playmakers like Sam Brown Jr., Xavier Restrepo, and Jacolby George.

To cap it off, Malachi Toney is returning for the Hurricanes’ upcoming season after showcasing his prowess against Indiana in the title game. With these kinds of talented WRs, Miami’s case may gain momentum in Jones Jr.’s recruitment as it looks to beat Notre Dame. But beating only the Irish is not helping Cristobal land this young 4-star WR.

Miami has a tough fight to get Julius Jones Jr.

Miami could face Dan Lanning’s Oregon in this recruitment race. The Ducks get a chance to convince this 4-star 2027 WR soon, as Julius Jones Jr. has a spring visit with them. On top of that, powerhouses like FSU, LSU, Florida, Michigan, and Texas were included in Jones’ Top-8 schools. Thus, Mario Cristobal has to beat many to land this WR talent in the 2027 class.

But if he is able to make that happen, Jones Jr.’s potential will definitely help the Hurricanes. The No. 11 WR recorded 51 receptions for 750 yards to lead the team in receiving yards as a sophomore. Then, as a junior in this past season, he racked up 58 receptions for 876 yards and was named MVP of the Under Armour Future 50 camp.

With these fireworks, the 4-star WR can choose any place for his collegiate career. So now, the schools have to make an effort to check all the boxes for this WR, and we will see if Miami will be able to beat all and win this race.