‘Miami is in a good position’ for 5-star WR Vernell Brown III heading into July decision, but Florida, OSU, FSU remain strong contenders

Orlando (Fla.) Jones five-star 2025 receiver Vernell Brown III hasn’t set a hard commitment date, although he has a better idea of his timeline after last month’s official visits.

Brown is “pretty confident” he’ll be ready to pick between Miami, Florida, Florida State and Ohio State later this month and is working to determine a decision date. The No. 32 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking and No. 6 receiver in the class took official visits to all four schools last month and “wouldn’t rule any of those schools out.” He said Miami’s official visit stood out the most, he believes Florida is trending up despite three straight losing seasons and noted Florida State has been the best program in the state the last two years.

Wh y Miami is a contender

Brown hasn’t visited Miami as many times as Florida, where his father played in the early 2000s, but saw enough to raise his spirits on his official visit. The Hurricanes offered the “most detailed” presentation he saw on his official visits regarding schematic fit, their plan for his player development and possible use on special teams. Miami receivers coach Kevin Beard has been heavily involved in his recruitment and developed a close relationship with Brown, and the Hurricanes offered a deeper dive into the community and energy in Coral Gables.

“Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, you know, I’ve been there numerous times, but Miami, I still hadn’t really kind of been there,” Brown said. “Even though I’ve been there a few times, I hadn’t really seen as much as I’d seen at some of the other schools.

“So just being able to see what Miami has to offer and the overall vibe of it, I thought with Miami, there was going to be a whole lot going on. But even though (the campus) is in Miami, it’s kind of secluded. It’s kind of its own little city. So I definitely think that visit was shocking.”

Where Florida sits

Brown has visited Florida more than any other school, has strong ties to the program and has received numerous RPMs favoring the Gators. Head coach Billy Napier and receivers coach Billy Gonzales haven’t tiptoed around the fact the Gators have seen better days, but Brown appreciates the honesty and transparency. He thinks Florida is on the rise and isn’t afraid of a challenge if he ends up in Gainesville.

“(The staff’s) confidence in the program, even though from the outside looking in at the state of the program it might not look as good as others, they’re extremely confident,” Brown said. “They say that they’re getting way better so they’re looking better than they have been in the past year.

“I think just throughout me seeing practices, going over and watching film, I’m definitely seeing the program is heading in the right direction. But at the same time, they’re not trying to sell me a dream or telling me it’s a dream situation. They’re basically consistently giving the message that if you come there you have to be up for the challenge, because there are teams up there right now, but we’re still trying to get up there. …It’s good to know that they’re not blind to the fact that they actually acknowledge it.”

Why Florida State appeals to Brown

FSU was the second school to offer Brown and has pushed for the five-star prospect since pulling the trigger. And recent success has appealed to Brown.

“That is the most ideal situation in the state as far as stability,” Brown said. “You know coach (Mike) Norvell and a lot of that staff is going to be there. Obviously people come and people go and that’s their job, but a lot of that staff is going to be there. As far as stability goes, I think it’s a really good program. Their football is really good. They’re kind of at the top right now. I think all of those are points I’ll heavily consider.”

Ohio State still in the picture

The Buckeyes are still working to pull Brown out of the Sunshine State and have shown him their record of receiver development over the last decade. Competing for a national championship on a team which has lived inside of the AP top five since 2012 is plenty attractive as well.

“Ohio State’s a really good program,” Brown said. “I don’t think there’s a question about that. I think with the receivers they’ve put out the last few years, they’re definitely the most proven school of all at the receiver position. That’s definitely something that shouldn’t be overlooked. They’re at the top right now.”

CaneSport’s Take

If I were betting today, I’d pick Brown to end up at Florida, but I don’t think Miami is terribly far behind. Brown’s relationship with Beard has kept Miami in the picture, although he truly believes in Napier’s vision at Florida and thinks the Gators are on the right track. We’ll see what happens over the next few weeks.

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