Exciting in-state QB Dereon Coleman commits to Miami: "I feel like I'm meant for this"

Orlando (Fla.) Jones On3 Industry four-star 2026 quarterback Dereon Coleman announced his commitment to Miami early Wednesday evening.

Other offers for the 5-foot-11, 160-pound Coleman included Oklahoma, UCF and a slew of others.

“The culture,” Coleman said. “The fanbase. Who doesn’t want to play at Miami. Who doesn’t want to play in that city. You can live your life there after a long career. You can go back to Miami and be that dude.

“I feel like I’m meant for this. That’s why I really chose Miami.”

A big sophomore season and strong camp performance earned Coleman the opportunity

Coleman was a dude last fall in leading Jones to the semifinals of the state playoffs. The electric young passer completed nearly 64 percent of his passes for 2,236 yards and 16 touchdowns to just six interceptions.

Keeping tabs on that, Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson then offered Coleman after having him in camp in June.

“Coach Dawson he’s a coach that’s hands on and I already have a coach that’s hands on,” Coleman said. “I know I fit in that program easy. We would see eye to eye with multiple things.” 

Coleman becomes commit No. 3 for head coach Mario Cristobal and Miami early in the 2026 cycle joining linebacker Jordan Campbell and receiver Malachi Toney.

“Cristobal is a family man,” Coleman said. “When it’s not football you can go and talk to him about anything. When he’s not a coach he can be a mentor.

“Another reason I chose them, I’m a Florida kid. I don’t really want to leave the state. My family can come see all the home games and family is a lot for me.”

The U has always been the goal

Private quarterbacks coach Baylin Trujillo has been training Coleman for years with the plan to ultimately be the quarterback at Miami.

“The flash, the confidence, the swagger, Dereon literally fits the Miami culture,” Trujillo said.

“He’s special. I love that he can make any throw on the field and I love how quick his release is. I think that separates him from a lot of guys. He’s fast-twitched. It’s special.”

Trujillo said that Coleman is going to bring an edge to the Hurricanes program.

“He’s a competitor by nature. He has as chip on his shoulder. He’s out to prove who he is.

“He beats all the measurables. Everyone looks at him and writes him off but when the pads come on he’s a gamer and all about business.”