Miami lands 4-star CB Jaelen Waters, former Florida, FSU commit

Seffner (Fla.) Armwood four-star cornerback Jaelen Waters has announced his commitment to Miami.

Previously pledged to Florida since June 15, Waters, who’s also a former Florida State commit, decommitted from the Gators on Feb. 15. Now, he is a part of the Hurricanes’ 2026 recruiting class.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder is the No. 120 overall prospect and No. 11 CB in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 19 player in Florida.

Waters’ commitment comes after Miami hired Florida DBs coach Will Harris to the same position. The Canes had already been working hard to pull the blue-chipper away from Gainesville, having gotten him to campus for multiple visits after he committed to UF last summer.

“Miami is right there,” Waters told On3’s Chad Simmons in January. “Florida and Miami are two home schools for me because I live in Florida. They’re always pushing for me. It is Miami, the coaches want me there and it is always great to be around the people at Miami.” 

Hurricanes add in-state DB to 2026 class

With Waters now in the class, Miami has five commits in the mix this cycle. Waters is the second pledge this month for Mario Cristobal and Co., as Mineral City (Ohio) Tuscarawas Valley four-star offensive tackle Ben Congdon announced his commitment on March 3.

“Miami was amazing,” Congdon previously told On3. “They checked off all the boxes. It was great to sit down talk ball and learn from a legendary offensive line coach like Coach Mirabal. Also how beautiful campus and the community. I also just was blown away by how genuine the whole staff was they treated me along with my mom very elite and told me I’m a priority.”

Miami Gardens (Fla.) Carol City four-star linebacker Jordan Campbell continues to headline the class as the No. 99 recruit overall and No. 5 LB. Lakeland (Fla.) Jones four-star quarterback Dereon Coleman has been in the class since July last summer and is the No. 17 QB in the nation. Charlotte Myers Park four-star cornerback Camdin Portis committed in October.

“The culture,” Coleman told On3 about his decision to commit. “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.”