Hometown Hero: 4-Star Tight End Israel Briggs Commits to Miami over LSU

Hometown Hero: 4-Star Tight End Israel Briggs Commits to Miami over LSU

In a major recruiting win for Mario Cristobal and the University of Miami, 4-star tight end Israel Briggs has officially committed to the Hurricanes over powerhouse LSU. Briggs, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound athletic marvel out of Bradenton, Florida, announced his decision via social media Wednesday afternoon, sending waves through the college football landscape and lighting up the Miami fanbase.

Ranked among the top 10 tight ends nationally in the 2025 class and a top-150 overall prospect by most major recruiting services, Briggs has been a highly sought-after talent thanks to his rare blend of size, speed, and pass-catching ability. Programs such as Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and Florida all pursued him heavily, but in the end, it was Miami’s culture, opportunity, and vision that won out.

“Miami feels like home,” Briggs said during his commitment video. “Coach Cristobal, Coach [Stephen] Field, and the whole staff made it clear that I’m not just another recruit—I’m someone they believe can be a centerpiece for this offense. I want to help bring ‘The U’ back to national relevance.”

Briggs becomes the latest high-profile addition to Miami’s 2025 recruiting class, which is quickly shaping up to be one of the best in the ACC. His decision marks another statement from Cristobal, who has put an emphasis on locking down elite in-state talent and rebuilding Miami’s once-proud identity as a dominant force in college football.

Known for his ability to stretch the field and dominate in red-zone situations, Briggs gives Miami a modern tight end who can line up in multiple positions—inline, in the slot, and even out wide. At IMG Academy, Briggs was a nightmare matchup for defenders, consistently using his catch radius and athleticism to make contested catches and punish secondaries.

“He’s a matchup problem,” said one opposing high school coach. “There’s no linebacker that can stay with him, and if you put a safety on him, he’ll outmuscle them. Miami’s getting a future star.”

While LSU made a strong push in recent months—highlighting its tight end usage under Brian Kelly—Briggs’s connections to South Florida and belief in the Hurricanes’ direction ultimately swayed him. His commitment adds another spark to a Miami offense that is steadily adding dynamic weapons through both high school recruiting and the transfer portal.

The addition of Briggs also continues the Hurricanes’ tradition of producing NFL-caliber tight ends, a lineage that includes legends like Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Winslow II, Greg Olsen, David Njoku, and most recently Brevin Jordan. Briggs has openly said he wants to be the next great name in that lineage.

“I know what it means to wear the ‘U’ on your helmet,” Briggs said. “It comes with expectations—and I’m ready for it.”

With his commitment secured, Miami now turns its attention to closing out strong in other key areas for the 2025 class. But for today, landing Israel Briggs is a major win—and a sign that the Hurricanes’ recruiting momentum is very real.