Mario Cristobal isn’t living in Miami’s 13-3 rearview mirror. With the portal window closing and the Hurricanes losing 16 while adding just six, it’s clear the reset is on. To avoid another slip-up, Cristobal is attacking early, kicking off his 2027 class hunt with a trip to talent-rich St. Thomas Aquinas.

“Mario Cristobal at St. Thomas Aquinas, home to a trio of top 2027 prospects, including 5-star OL Mark Matthews, Top247 WR Julius Jones, and Top247 DB Zayden Gamble,” 247Sports’ Gavy Urrutia tweeted a picture with defensive back Zayden Gamble posing with Cristobal.

Well, Cristobal did not just hit St. Thomas Aquinas. The head coach also managed time to catch up with the Palm Beach Central High School offensive line talent, Zaquan Linton.

“Very thankful to @CoachMirabal @coach_cristobal for coming to see me today #GoCanes @coachjeff26 @CoachT_22 @Shantaylskzm1,” tweeted the offensive lineman on X, posing with the head coach.

Cristobal could’ve sat this one out; Linton had already put Miami in his corner last July. But Miami still made him seen and heard. 

As per On3’s 2027 Industry Ranking football Team Recruiting Rankings, Cristobal and his team stand at No.8. The Hurricanes have already sealed the commitment of three 4-star recruits and one 3-star recruit. They are now eyeing the five-star target offensive lineman Mark Matthews.

The 6-6, 300-pounder from St. Thomas Aquinas in 247Sports’ composite rankings is the No. 1 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 2 overall player in the 2027 recruiting class. Cristobal’s squad is one of his top three schools, along with Texas A&M and Ohio State. But maybe this hope is not enough for Cristobal.

Matthews told 247Sports that his top three choices “could fluctuate 100 percent,” adding that the Tennessee Volunteers are “maybe” a team that could slip into that group.

Four-star wide receiver Julius Jones Jr. from St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) made a great impression this offseason, earning On3’s MVP award at the Under Armour Future 50. As the son of former Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Julius Jones, his football legacy stays intact. Besides, four-star defensive back Zayden Gamble graciously secured his spot in the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl in April 2025. 

Miami’s edge rushers are no fluke. With a pair of studs in place, the Hurricanes show they can cultivate and retain top talent. Junior defensive end Reuben Bain Jr. is now on track to be a top pick in this year’s NFL Draft.

Making use of the momentum, Cristobal pushed hard to land the country’s top edge rushers in David Jacobs of Blessed Trinity Catholic High School. But ultimately lost the race to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Significantly, Cristobal’s recruiting hustle for 2027 is next-level. Even with the 2026 quarterback spot still up in the air, he’s not sweating it. But what happened to their 2026 quarterback target Darian Mensah?

Mario Cristobal’s quarterback plans upheld as Darian Mensah’s legal battle unfolds

Mensah had inked a multiyear deal with Duke in July 2024, reportedly worth $4 million for this year. He notified Blue Devils coach Manny Diaz of his intention to enter the portal on the last day of the window. 

Reports suggest Mensah will head to Miami, potentially stepping in to fill the shoes of former starter Carson Beck. Duke filed a lawsuit on January 20, seeking a temporary restraining order and injunction to keep Mensah out of the portal and off other rosters.

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“The court enjoined Mensah from enrolling anywhere, playing anywhere, and licensing his NIL anywhere,” David McKenzie, an intellectual property lawyer and Duke alum, explained the situation. “Duke holds exclusive rights to his NIL through December 31, 2026.”

With Beck going pro and last year’s backup Emory Williams entering the transfer portal, Miami is left with just Luke Nickel and Judd Anderson on the quarterback depth chart.

After nearly capturing a national title for the first time since 2001, Cristobal and his staff can’t tolerate any backsliding. As they chase top talent for 2027, the 2026 quarterback spot demands an urgent fix.