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BREAKING: 2026 In-State OT Joel Ervin Breaks Down His Miami Hurricanes Commitment Decision

On3 photo -2by:Izubee Charles•03/29/25•

IzubeeCharles

Joel Ervin (Photo: Chad Simmons/On3)
Joel Ervin (Photo: Chad Simmons/On3)

After spending back-to-back weekends in Coral Gables, Fort Myers (Fla.) three-star offensive tackle Joel Ervin has committed to the Miami Hurricanes. Following a short-lived commitment to Louisville, Ervin becomes the Hurricanes’ seventh pledge for Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and his 2026 class.

“I think right now is the perfect time because a lot of guys aren’t committed, and I want to commit early and target some more players,” Ervin told CaneSport. “The reason is just that they take care of my family. We’ve been up here three times, and it has been an amazing experience. There hasn’t been a better place that has felt like home. I feel like this is the school for me.”

After watching the Hurricanes’ spring practice and seeing the level of detail that offensive line coach Alex Mirabal put into each rep, Ervin knew Miami was where he wanted to play college football.

“The moment I decided was after today—just seeing how much of an impact Coach Mirabal makes on those guys,” Ervin said. “And just seeing those guys compete made me want to be a Hurricane.”

When the 6-foot-6, 280-pound lineman told Miami’s staff, it’s safe to say they were excited about his verbal commitment. The Hurricanes believe Ervin has tremendous upside and is extremely athletic for his size.

“Their reaction was great,” Ervin said. “They were jumping all over the place.”

Following Ervin’s visit to Miami last weekend, the No. 658 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, visited Florida. While the visit went well, Ervin remained focused on the Hurricanes. The 2026 prospect also held offers from Georgia, Florida State, USC, Colorado, South Carolina, Kentucky, and others.

“From last week’s visit, it just stuck with me because I’ve been thinking about it for a long time,” Ervin said. “I took a visit to Florida and Florida State, and those guys love me a lot, but I feel like Miami is my place and has the best offensive line. They develop their guys the best.”

Now Ervin plans to shut down his recruitment and is ready to get to work recruiting for the Hurricanes.

“I’m going to shut down my recruitment,” Ervin said. “I’m really excited, and I can’t even express it.”

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