Can you imagine a top recruit from the 2026 recruiting class turning down a visit to the Miami Hurricanes? Well, four-star defensive tackle Vodney Cleveland shocked the entire Internet by doing that.
Just when recruiting insiders thought his recruitment was stabilizing, Cleveland hit the reset button. The Birmingham, Alabama, standout canceled his official visit with Miami and surprised many by locking in a June 21 commitment date.
Vodney Cleveland Shocks Fans by Snubbing Miami Hurricanes
As of now, Miami’s 2026 class is ranked No. 8 nationally and includes 13 hard commitments, making it one of the strongest in the country. The class is especially loaded in the trenches, with a focus on offensive line talent. With multiple four-star cornerbacks and a deep offensive line group, it stands to be one of the most balanced classes in the ACC.
Despite that, the four-star standout from Birmingham (Ala.) Parker High School announced that he has canceled his official visit to the Hurricanes and will commit on June 21. In a recent tweet, he wrote, “I have canceled my Miami OV for this weekend and I WILL be committing June 21st.🙏🏿”
I have canceled my Miami OV for this weekend and i WILL be committing June 21st.🙏🏿
— Vodney Cleveland (@Vodney_Clev) June 16, 2025
The 6’21/2″, 305-pounder had previously listed Miami, Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Auburn in his top six. With the Hurricanes now out of the picture, the focus has shifted to a likely showdown between Florida and Texas, with Georgia and Auburn still in the race.
His decision has not only narrowed the race for his signature, but sent shockwaves through the recruiting world. Fans quickly took to X, reacting with memes and bold predictions. Twitter user @Larry_peenar commented, “Good job, 0 development down in stripper land,” while @Jkimac75 wrote, “I’ll hope for UF but Tex loomin’ large. 🐊🐊🐊”
Many supporters think Cleveland is leaning significantly toward Florida. They are sending team flags, Gator emojis, and optimistic comments across platforms.
— Ben Simmons (@BenjoinSimmons) June 16, 2025
— umustbejoken (@umustbejoken) June 16, 2025
Despite Miami’s strong class, it may come down to fit, depth chart, and personal connection for him. Plus, Miami’s heavy focus on offensive line and secondary talent might not have aligned with his vision as a defensive tackle.
Florida and Texas, on the other hand, have been more aggressive in their pursuit, but Florida appears to be Cleveland’s top choice. After his official visit to Gainesville, Florida, he told reporters, “Florida’s still on top… Everything about Florida stuck out to me this weekend.”
That visit clearly made a strong impression, and multiple recruiting outlets, including 247Sports and On3, have logged predictions in favor of the Gators.
