Jaylon Nichols, standing at 6 feet and weighing 185 pounds, had an impressive senior season at Neville High School. He rushed for 1,417 yards on 219 carries, averaging 6.5 yards per carry, and scored 24 touchdowns. His performance earned him first-team All-District 2-5A honors and a selection to the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl.
UNC extended an offer to Nichols on February 3, 2025, just two days before National Signing Day. He committed to the Tar Heels on February 4 and signed his letter of intent on February 5, 2025. Nichols chose UNC over interest from Arizona State, Louisiana-Monroe, and Louisiana.
At UNC, Nichols joins a 2025 recruiting class that includes running backs Demon June, Jariel Cobb, and Joseph Troupe. The class is centered around four-star quarterback Bryce Baker from East Forsyth High School in Kernersville, North Carolina. Baker is a top-100 recruit and the No. 10 quarterback in the nation.
Nichols’ commitment adds depth to UNC’s running back room and showcases head coach Bill Belichick’s proactive approach to strengthening the roster ahead of National Signing Day.
2026’s Top 5-Star QB Jaylon Nichols Commits to Miami Hurricanes Over Ohio State and Notre Dame
In a stunning decision that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, Jaylon Nichols, the No. 1 ranked quarterback in the class of 2026, has officially committed to the Miami Hurricanes. Nichols chose Miami over powerhouse programs Ohio State and Notre Dame, marking a major recruiting victory for head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff.
Nichols’ Rise to the Top
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, Nichols has been regarded as a generational talent at the quarterback position. Hailing from Texas, Nichols showcased his elite arm strength, pinpoint accuracy, and dual-threat ability throughout his high school career. He dominated defenses, throwing for over 4,500 yards and 50 touchdowns in his junior season while adding another 900 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.
His impressive performance earned him offers from nearly every major Division I program, including Alabama, Georgia, USC, and LSU. However, it was Miami that ultimately won the battle for his commitment, setting the stage for what could be a game-changing era in Hurricanes football.
Why Miami?
Nichols’ decision to commit to Miami is a testament to the Hurricanes’ resurgence as a recruiting powerhouse. Over the past few years, Coach Cristobal has prioritized bringing in elite talent, and Nichols is arguably the most significant commitment of his tenure so far.
In a statement following his commitment, Nichols explained his choice:
“Miami just felt like home. Coach Cristobal, Coach Dawson, and the entire staff made it clear that I’m their guy, and I believe in their vision for the program. They’re building something special, and I want to be a part of it.”
Several factors played into Nichols’ decision:
- Offensive Scheme – Miami’s offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks, and Nichols believes the system will allow him to flourish both as a passer and a runner.
- Immediate Opportunity – With Miami’s current QB depth chart, Nichols could see playing time as early as his freshman year in 2026.
- NFL Development – The Hurricanes have a history of sending top-tier talent to the NFL, and Nichols views Miami as the ideal place to prepare for a professional career.
- South Florida’s Talent Pool – Surrounding himself with top-tier playmakers was also a key factor, as Miami has consistently recruited elite wide receivers and offensive linemen.
Impact on Miami’s 2026 Recruiting Class
Nichols’ commitment is a massive boost to Miami’s 2026 recruiting class. Prior to his decision, the Hurricanes already had a top-10 class, but with Nichols now in the fold, Miami is in prime position to land several other blue-chip prospects.
Several top-rated wide receivers and offensive linemen, including 5-star WR Brandon Stewart and 4-star OL Jordan McCoy, have expressed interest in joining Nichols in Miami. The possibility of building an elite offense around the star quarterback could attract even more talent to the program.
What This Means for Ohio State and Notre Dame
Losing out on Nichols is a significant blow to both Ohio State and Notre Dame. The Buckeyes were viewed as the frontrunners for Nichols for much of the recruiting cycle, especially given their strong track record of producing NFL quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Notre Dame was hoping Nichols would be the centerpiece of their offense for years to come.
Now, both programs will need to pivot to other quarterback targets. Ohio State is expected to make a strong push for 5-star QB Cameron Davis, while Notre Dame may turn their attention to top-10 QB prospect Elijah Moore.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Miami Football
With Nichols in the fold, Miami fans have every reason to be excited for the future. The Hurricanes have struggled to return to national prominence over the past decade, but securing a commitment from a generational quarterback talent could be the turning point they’ve been waiting for.
The next step for Miami will be continuing to build around Nichols, both in recruiting and development. If the Hurricanes can maximize his potential and surround him with the right pieces, they could be legitimate contenders for ACC titles and even College Football Playoff appearances in the coming years.