Miami Flips North Carolina State Commitment, Keeps Another In-State Recruit Home

Miami’s 2025 recruiting class grows to 21 commitments with the addition of an in-state defensive lineman.

A consensus 3-star recruit by Rivals, On3, 247, and ESPN, Mykah Newton changes his college decision from North Carolina State to Miami. He also holds scholarship offers from college football programs like UCF, Georgia Tech, Michigan State, and Oregon State. Coming from Newberry (Fla.) High School, a smaller program, Newton is somewhat overlooked.

He’s a 6-foot-3 and 255-pound edge defender who will likely grow into a player at least capable of playing defensive tackle during obvious passing situations. There are traits to like about Newton’s game as it is.

Newton bends well when speed rushing. His natural flexibility – combined with a good first-step burst – allows an opportunity to run past an offensive tackle. He’s also a player who plays through the whistle.

Sometimes an offensive lineman wins the rep, at least initially. Newton does not give up. He will redirect his path to find the football. Sometimes Newton uses a two-handed swipe to disengage from the offensive lineman; he finds a way to get the job done. His HUDL film showcases his effort play after play.

As he gains more experience and learns the nuances of beating offensive linemen one-on-one, Newton has a chance to be an effective college defensive lineman. One will certainly not question how hard this young man plays the game of football.

With Newton in the recruiting fold, UM's 2025 class has three defensive line commitments. The other two recruits pledged to the Canes are edge defender Herbert Scroggins and defensive tackle Donta Simpson .

Combining the 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes, Miami has 10 defensive line recruits, plus Booker Pickett, Jr . being a swing player between linebacker and edge. Mario Cristobal wants to be a dominant line-of-scrimmage program and that's what it is trending toward.