Freddie Wilson, one of the most coveted defensive tackle prospects in the nation, appears to be leaning heavily toward the Miami Hurricanes following a pivotal official visit that has quickly shifted the momentum in his recruitment. The four-star interior lineman from Florida has long been on the radar of numerous powerhouse programs, but his recent comments and body language following his Coral Gables stop suggest the Hurricanes may now hold a significant edge.
Wilson, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs just over 300 pounds, is ranked among the top defensive tackles in the 2025 recruiting class thanks to a blend of explosiveness, physicality, and a relentless motor that wreaks havoc in opposing backfields. While he has remained tight-lipped throughout much of the recruiting process, his glowing remarks about Miami’s coaching staff, facilities, and overall vision offered a rare window into his thought process—and it’s looking increasingly favorable for Mario Cristobal and company.
Coming off his official visit, Wilson described his experience at Miami as “eye-opening” and “exactly what I needed to see.” He was hosted by some of the Hurricanes’ veteran defensive linemen, who gave him a candid look at what life is like in Coral Gables—on and off the field. From the training program and defensive scheme to the bond shared among players and staff, Wilson walked away with a newfound appreciation for what Miami is building.
The Hurricanes’ coaching staff, particularly defensive line coach Joe Salave’a and defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, made a strong impression during the visit. According to Wilson, both coaches laid out a detailed development plan and a clear path to early playing time, something that greatly appealed to the highly sought-after recruit. Salave’a’s track record of molding NFL-caliber linemen and Guidry’s aggressive defensive philosophy were among the key selling points that resonated.
“I felt like they really understand who I am as a player and where I want to go,” Wilson said after the visit. “They weren’t just saying what I wanted to hear. They had a plan for me, and I respect that a lot.”
Miami’s success on the recruiting trail in recent cycles has helped create a snowball effect, particularly with elite defensive talent. Wilson took notice of the Hurricanes’ recent additions on the defensive line and expressed excitement about potentially teaming up with some of the nation’s best trench warriors. The opportunity to be a part of a rising unit rather than a finished product also appears to be something he views as an advantage.
Another factor working in Miami’s favor is proximity to home. Wilson, a Florida native who plays at one of the state’s most talent-rich high schools, has emphasized the importance of staying close to family throughout his recruitment. While he has other official visits planned—including to out-of-state powerhouses like Ohio State, LSU, and USC—the draw of being able to play in front of loved ones could be a deciding factor.
“My family being able to come to games and see me grow as a man and a player—that means a lot,” Wilson said. “Miami gives me that opportunity, and I can still compete at the highest level.”
Sources close to the situation indicate that Wilson left the visit with Miami sitting in his top two, if not firmly in the lead. While no commitment timeline has been publicly announced, there is growing speculation that a decision could come before the start of his senior season, especially if Miami continues to make him feel like a priority.
The Hurricanes are doing everything right so far, and Wilson’s body language throughout the visit—smiling in photos, connecting with players, and spending extended time with coaches—didn’t go unnoticed. Miami is hoping that this positive momentum continues to build and eventually leads to a public pledge from one of Florida’s most disruptive defensive talents.
Wilson’s recruitment is still fluid, and Miami will need to fend off late pushes from other national contenders. But make no mistake—the official visit to Coral Gables has changed the trajectory of his decision-making process. What once looked like a wide-open battle is now starting to feel like Miami’s to lose.
The Hurricanes’ pitch to Wilson is simple: stay home, be a foundational piece on a defense that’s trending upward, and have the chance to leave a legacy at a program with deep roots and sky-high potential. Whether that pitch ultimately seals the deal remains to be seen, but if this past weekend was any indication, Miami is firmly in the driver’s seat for one of the state’s—and the country’s—top defensive linemen.
As summer unfolds and Wilson takes the remainder of his official visits, all eyes will be on his every move. For now, though, Miami has done what it needed to do: make a major impression, build trust, and show Freddie Wilson exactly why Coral Gables might just be the perfect place to continue his football journey.
