In a monumental recruiting victory that is sending shockwaves across the college basketball landscape, the University of Miami Hurricanes have landed the commitment of the No. 1 overall player in the 2025 class. Five-star phenom Jahlil Rutherford, a 6-foot-9 forward out of Montverde Academy (FL), announced his commitment to the Hurricanes over South Carolina, Louisville, and Tennessee in a nationally televised ceremony, making what could be a program-defining decision for Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga and his staff.
The commitment marks the highest-rated recruit in program history and represents a significant statement from a Miami program that has steadily climbed the national ladder in recent seasons. For a team already on the cusp of elite status, Rutherford’s decision solidifies Miami’s ambitions of competing not just for ACC titles, but for national championships.
Who is Jahlil Rutherford?
A generational talent with a rare blend of power, finesse, and IQ, Jahlil Rutherford is considered by many scouts to be the most complete high school basketball prospect in at least the last five years. Standing at 6-foot-9 with a wingspan over seven feet, he plays like a forward but moves like a guard. He possesses a smooth outside shot, elite footwork in the post, a high motor on defense, and exceptional vision in transition.
He led Montverde Academy to back-to-back GEICO Nationals titles, averaged 22.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game as a senior, and dominated top-tier AAU competition with Team Final on the Nike EYBL circuit. Rutherford was also named Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2025.
Beyond his on-court abilities, Rutherford is praised for his leadership, maturity, and off-the-court demeanor. Several analysts compare his game and character to a young Chris Webber with flashes of Kevin Durant in his shooting stroke and ability to stretch the floor.
Why Miami?
Rutherford’s final four consisted of Miami, South Carolina, Louisville, and Tennessee—all programs with compelling cases. South Carolina pitched immediate playing time in Lamont Paris’ dynamic system, Tennessee promised a chance to anchor Rick Barnes’ defense-first scheme, and Louisville offered the allure of being the centerpiece of Pat Kelsey’s rebuild. But ultimately, Miami offered a perfect blend of location, coaching, culture, and opportunity.
1. The Jim Larrañaga Factor
At 75, Coach Jim Larrañaga is showing no signs of slowing down. A Final Four run in 2023 reinvigorated the program, and his player development track record—from Isaiah Wong to Jordan Miller to Norchad Omier—is second to none. Larrañaga’s focus on maximizing individual talent while emphasizing team-first play was central to Rutherford’s decision.
“Coach L is a legend,” Rutherford said in his commitment interview. “He believes in me as a player and a person. He’s built something special at Miami, and I want to help take it to the next level.”
2. South Florida Vibes
Rutherford, originally from Tampa, has long felt at home in Florida. Proximity to family, the allure of South Beach, and the university’s commitment to NIL opportunities all factored into the decision. Miami’s ascension into an NIL powerhouse in basketball made headlines last year, and Rutherford is expected to be the face of the program in the ACC’s lucrative media market.
3. A Program on the Rise
Since their Final Four appearance, Miami has doubled down on recruiting, facility upgrades, and national scheduling. The Hurricanes have become regulars in the top 25, and Rutherford’s addition makes them an instant Final Four contender for 2025-26.
What This Means for Miami
Miami has landed top recruits before—Bruce Brown, Lonnie Walker, and Vernon Carey Jr. among them—but never has the program landed the No. 1 player in the country. Rutherford changes the calculus.
1. National Attention
Miami now moves into the upper echelon of blue-chip recruiting schools. The Hurricanes are suddenly in the same breath as Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas for top-tier talent. The message is clear: If you’re elite, Miami is a destination.
2. ACC Power Shift
With Duke in transition under Jon Scheyer, North Carolina dealing with inconsistency, and Virginia focusing on defense-first classes, Miami’s ability to attract and develop superstars is giving the ACC a new leader. Rutherford could tip the balance of power in the conference.
3. NIL Trailblazing
Rutherford’s NIL deal, rumored to be among the largest in this class, sets a new bar for what’s possible at Miami. The Hurricanes have created a model where star players can thrive both athletically and financially without the immediate pressure to jump to the NBA.
Fallout for South Carolina, Louisville, and Tennessee
South Carolina Gamecocks
Lamont Paris had made Rutherford his top priority and hosted him for an official visit that went exceptionally well. The Gamecocks were in it until the end and are now pivoting to their second-tier options. Losing out on Rutherford is a gut-punch, especially after an up-and-down season that needed a momentum shift.
Louisville Cardinals
This would’ve been a foundational piece for Pat Kelsey’s overhaul at Louisville. While he still has a strong 2025 class, Rutherford would’ve given the Cardinals the kind of elite presence they’ve lacked since the Donovan Mitchell era. Instead, Louisville must continue their rebuild with the hope that development and transfer portal wins can fill the gap.
Tennessee Volunteers
Rick Barnes was reportedly “all-in” on Rutherford, hoping to pair him with incoming point guard Carter Knox to make a title run. Instead, the Vols lose their top target and will likely lean even more heavily on the portal to stay competitive in a loaded SEC.
Reactions Around the Country
The commitment instantly became one of the top trending sports stories on social media.
Jay Bilas (ESPN):
“Huge win for Jim Larrañaga and the Miami program. Rutherford is a game-changer. With him, they’re a Final Four favorite.”
Jeff Borzello (ESPN):
“Miami just sent a message to the country. They’re not just a ‘cool’ school to visit anymore—they’re a school that closes.”
Jahlil Rutherford’s Trainer, Marcus Lloyd:
“He wants to win, develop, and have fun doing it. Miami checked every box.”
What’s Next for Rutherford and the Hurricanes?
Rutherford will enroll early and participate in summer workouts with the Hurricanes. He is expected to anchor a 2025-26 Miami team that includes returning guards Nijel Pack and Wooga Poplar, alongside top-50 forward Emmanuel Beasley and Oregon transfer center Kwame Joku.
The plan, sources say, is for Miami to feature a “five-out” offense that uses Rutherford as a point forward. With his ability to stretch the floor and initiate offense, he’s expected to have the ball in his hands frequently.
The commitment of Jahlil Rutherford to the Miami Hurricanes is more than just a recruiting victory—it’s a transformational moment for a program that has long lived in the shadows of the ACC’s traditional powers. With Rutherford in the fold, Miami is now the team casting the longest shadow.
This is not only a win for Jim Larrañaga and his staff but for an entire university and fanbase eager to see their team rise from “dangerous dark horse” to certified national powerhouse.
