In a move that sent shockwaves throughout the college football recruiting world, five-star wide receiver Javion “Jet” Matthews, a top-10 overall prospect in the 2025 class, has officially flipped his commitment from the Alabama Crimson Tide to the Miami Hurricanes, stunning Nick Saban’s successor and igniting a firestorm of buzz around Coral Gables. The elite pass-catcher from Atlanta, Georgia, made the announcement via a social media post Tuesday morning, complete with a slickly-produced video and a caption that read: “The U is back. Let’s build something legendary in the 305.”
Matthews’ decision comes just weeks after reaffirming his verbal commitment to Alabama, only to reopen his recruitment this past weekend after a surprise unofficial visit to Miami. His flip to the Hurricanes—beating out SEC heavyweights Tennessee and Georgia, both of whom made late pushes—represents one of the most significant recruiting victories for head coach Mario Cristobal since arriving at his alma mater.
Who is Javion “Jet” Matthews?
Hailing from powerhouse Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, Matthews is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound wideout with explosive speed, surgical route-running, and elite ball skills. Ranked as the No. 1 wide receiver in the Southeast and No. 6 overall prospect in the nation by 247Sports Composite, he has been a terror for opposing secondaries since his sophomore year. With a nickname like “Jet,” it’s no surprise Matthews clocked a 10.42 in the 100-meter dash during track season—an attribute that has turned him into a coveted vertical threat.
In his junior season, Matthews hauled in 72 catches for 1,310 yards and 16 touchdowns, often facing double and even triple coverage. His ability to dominate in both man and zone schemes made him a priority for nearly every Power Five program in the country. Many scouts have likened his playing style to that of current NFL star Jaylen Waddle, citing his separation quickness and electric run-after-catch ability.
A Bombshell Blow for Alabama
Matthews originally committed to Alabama in August 2024 during the program’s annual summer cookout, choosing the Tide over a host of elite programs. At the time, his decision was considered a major recruiting win for then-new head coach Kalen DeBoer, who took over the reins after Nick Saban’s retirement. DeBoer had made Matthews a centerpiece of his offensive vision, envisioning him as the next elite playmaker in Tuscaloosa.
But in the months following Matthews’ pledge, the Crimson Tide’s offense struggled to meet expectations, and questions emerged about the team’s ability to maximize wide receiver talent. While Alabama still boasts a top-10 recruiting class, the loss of Matthews now leaves a significant void at the top of their WR board. With no other five-star receivers currently committed, DeBoer and wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shepard will now scramble to either re-engage previous targets or make a late push for an uncommitted gem.
Recruiting insiders point to Miami’s aggressive NIL strategy and Matthews’ connection to current Hurricane quarterback commit Dylan Ray, his 7-on-7 teammate, as pivotal in the decision. The late-night decommitment caught Alabama staff by surprise, as Matthews had just attended their spring game and shared photos with current players just two weeks ago.
Mario Cristobal’s Biggest Win Yet?
For Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes, this isn’t just a recruiting win—it’s a program-defining moment.
Matthews becomes the highest-rated wide receiver to commit to Miami since Andre Johnson in 2000. More importantly, it symbolizes Miami’s legitimate return to the national recruiting battlefield. Long plagued by inconsistent quarterback play and offensive stagnancy, the Hurricanes have turned a corner thanks to a revamped offensive scheme under new OC Marcus Arroyo, and a strong NIL infrastructure built by LifeWallet and local partnerships.
The decision to commit to Miami over hometown Georgia and an ascending Tennessee program says volumes about the brand Cristobal is building. The Hurricanes now hold the No. 3-ranked class in the 2025 cycle, trailing only Ohio State and Texas. Matthews joins a loaded offensive haul that includes four-star QB Dylan Ray, four-star RB Tylan Gadsen, and fellow top-100 WR Quincy Barnes.
During an Instagram Live shortly after his commitment, Matthews said:
“I wanted to do something different. Everybody goes to Alabama or Georgia. I wanted to go somewhere where I could leave a legacy. Coach Cristobal kept it real from day one. He told me I could be the face of The U and bring swagger back to Miami.”
What Went Wrong for Georgia and Tennessee?
Both Georgia and Tennessee had good reason to believe they were in the mix down the stretch.
For Kirby Smart, losing Matthews stings particularly hard given the Bulldogs had prioritized him as their top outside receiver target in the class. Georgia’s proximity to Matthews’ hometown, along with the school’s recent success, gave them a natural advantage. However, Matthews reportedly wanted to be part of a more wide-open offense, something Georgia has only recently begun to implement with mixed results.
Tennessee, under Josh Heupel, offered perhaps the most pass-happy system among the finalists. Heupel made several in-home visits, and the Vols pulled out all stops during Matthews’ late April official visit. Insiders say Tennessee had surged into the top two just 72 hours before the announcement. But Miami’s proximity to South Beach, vibrant culture, and the chance to be “the guy” tipped the scales.
NIL: The Elephant in the Room
Sources close to the situation confirmed that NIL played a “significant but not decisive” role in Matthews’ decision.
While the exact figures are unknown, Miami has become known for lucrative NIL packages, particularly for high-profile offensive players. LifeWallet, the NIL collective fronted by Miami mega-booster John Ruiz, is believed to have structured a long-term, incentivized deal with Matthews that includes branding opportunities, merchandise, and media exposure.
That said, Matthews’ camp emphasized that the decision wasn’t “just about money.”
“Yes, NIL is part of the new landscape, but Javion chose Miami because he believes in the vision, the culture, and the opportunity to be the centerpiece,” said his father, Marcus Matthews. “He wants to help bring championships back to The U.”
What’s Next for Alabama?
There’s no sugarcoating it—losing Matthews is a gut punch for the Crimson Tide. This marks the second time in three cycles Alabama has lost a five-star WR commitment late in the process (following Luther Burden’s flip to Missouri in 2022). The Tide still hold commitments from four-star WRs Bryce Eldridge and Kendarius Collins, but neither has the ceiling of Matthews.
Look for Alabama to pivot quickly. Names to watch include:
- Cameron Wiggins, a four-star receiver from Texas who recently decommitted from LSU.
- Zaquan Rivers, a speedster from Florida whose stock is soaring after a dominant spring.
- Kaseem Monroe, a USC-leaning West Coast receiver Alabama has quietly courted.
DeBoer, who built a reputation at Washington for developing receivers, now faces his first true recruiting crisis in Tuscaloosa.
Miami’s Offense: A Glimpse of the Future
Matthews’ commitment puts an exclamation mark on Miami’s offensive trajectory. With Dylan Ray throwing darts and Matthews slated to start from Day One, the Hurricanes are suddenly shaping up to be a major threat in the new-look ACC. The pairing of Matthews and Barnes gives Miami a formidable one-two punch at receiver that could rival anything in the country by 2026.
Additionally, the momentum may not stop here. Five-star offensive tackle Lamar Faulk, a top-15 national recruit, is set to announce his commitment later this month, with Miami listed as a co-favorite alongside Florida State and Penn State.
Final Thoughts: The U Sends a Message
Matthews’ flip is more than a win on the recruiting trail—it’s a signal to the college football world that Miami is back in the conversation. After years of hype with little substance, Mario Cristobal is finally delivering on his promise to make The U a premier destination for elite talent. Whether this translates into wins on the field remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: