Inside local DT Donta Simpson’s flip from Maryland to Miami: ‘I grew up being a Cane fan’

Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna 2025 defensive tackle Donta Simpson’s decision to flip from Maryland to Miami Friday evening wasn’t easy. But the 6-foot-3, 260-pound prospect is more than happy to be a Hurricane.

The No. 649 overall prospect and No. 57 defensive lineman in the cycle’s flip came just less than a week after Miami offered Simpson at the Hurricanes’ end-of-summer recruiting cookout, but his interest in Miami was immediate. Simpson grew up a Miami fan and called the Hurricanes his “dream school” and knew he wanted to return to campus quickly, which he did by attending last Tuesday’s practice.

By the end of the week, he couldn’t wait any longer.

“Miami has been my dream school since I was a baby,” Simpson said. “I grew up being a Cane fan, me and my dad. Friday was only the right time because I couldn’t wait.”

Simpson knew Miami was the school for him after his unofficial visit last Tuesday and made his decision Thursday. Miami’s staff was ecstatic to accept his commitment and give the Hurricanes their first defensive tackle commit of the 2024 cycle after signing four in last year’s class.

So what was the pitch that ultimately won him over?

“It’s right in my backyard, and it’s like family over there,” Simpson said. “My family can come see me play too. They were happy (with the decision) because they can come see me play. I’m very happy. I’m very happy.”

Simpson said he’ll keep his eyes open this fall and isn’t ready to formally shut down his recruitment just yet, although he’s solid in his pledge and didn’t have any reservations about pulling the trigger. He plans to sign in December and enroll in January.

CaneSport’s Take

Miami’s 2025 defensive tackle board has steadily shrunk over the last several months with the Hurricanes choosing to pass on local tackles Randy Adirika and Floyd Boucard , and with Five-Star Plus+ defensive tackle Elijah Griffin widely projected to land at Georgia and four-star prospect Nate Marshall committed to Michigan, so landing Simpson became important for the Canes. Miami is also still in contact with four-star Florida State commit Myron Charles , but outside of Simpson, the Hurricanes don’t have many uncommitted defensive tackles left on the board.

We’ll continue to monitor offers the Hurricanes send out this fall if and when additional defensive tackles emerge.

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