The Miami Hurricanes football team faces a tough challenge in securing a commitment from four-star cornerback Ben Hanks Jr., who is expected to announce his decision by the end of next week. Chad Simmons of On3 reports that a decision is imminent, with the University of Florida emerging as the clear frontrunner according to multiple recruiting sources.
Both of the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions for Hanks favor Florida, including one from Gaby Urrutia of Inside the U. Additionally, the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gives Florida a 94.2 percent chance of landing Hanks. The Gators have a strong advantage as Hanks is a legacy recruit—his father, Ben Hanks, played for Florida from 1992 to 1994.
Throughout his recruitment, Hanks took official visits to Louisville, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, and Miami in June. Miami has hosted Hanks more than any other school, with a total of seven visits, while Florida has hosted him three times and Georgia twice. The other programs have only hosted him once each.
According to Simmons, Florida, Louisville, and Miami are the final three schools in contention for Hanks’ commitment. Miami cornerbacks coach Chevis Jackson and defensive coordinator Lance Guidry are leading the recruiting efforts for Hanks, who currently plays at Miami Central High School. If Hanks chooses Miami, he would join several other prospects from Miami Central who have committed to the Hurricanes, including four-star cornerbacks Jaboree Antoine and Chris Ewald, linebacker Ezekeil Marcelin, and safety Amari Wallace in the 2025 class.
Miami’s 2025 recruiting class is currently ranked 10th in the 247Sports composite rankings, with a strong emphasis on strengthening the secondary. In addition to Antoine, Ewald, and Wallace, the Hurricanes have also secured a commitment from four-star safety Hylton Stubbs. Miami’s 2024 class was recognized for its standout defensive line, and the program is clearly continuing to prioritize defensive talent moving forward.
