Miami flips in-state DL Donta Simpson from Maryland

Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna three-star defensive lineman Donta Simpson picked up an offer from Miami while visiting over the weekend. Just five days later, he’s in the Hurricanes’ 2025 class.

Simpson announced on Friday evening that he’s flipped his pledge from Maryland to the in-state ACC program, becoming commitment No. 20 for head coach Mario Cristobal and the Canes this cycle.

“The Hurricanes are right for me because it’s my hometown and there’s nothing like playing at home,” Simpson told On3. “I feel like they could develop me in the best way possible. My favorite thing about Miami is the culture there, me and my dad grew up Canes fans so it was only right to commit to them.”

The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder returned to Coral Gables not long after landing his offer to check out practice. He joins four-star EDGE Herbert Scroggins as pledges on the defensive front for Miami this cycle.

“It was very special to me because early in my recruitment I didn’t think they was gonna have interest because everywhere I go I’m always under estimated,” Simpson said of landing the offer. “But now colleges are starting to figure it out.”

The defensive tackle continued to prove his worth at the Florida powerhouse Chaminade-Madonna last season. As a junior, Simpson wrangled 43 tackles, 7.5 sacks, a pick-six and a pair of fumble recoveries. Simpson, a back-to-back state champion, is poised for a big senior season and has now found his home at the college level.

Miami’s class ranks No. 12 in the nation and No. 3 in the ACC, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.