No. 1 American Player Ethan Carter Commits to Miami Hurricanes Over Alabama and Notre Dame
In a monumental recruiting win, the Miami Hurricanes have landed a commitment from the nation’s No. 1 American football prospect, Ethan Carter, choosing “The U” over powerhouse programs Alabama and Notre Dame. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound linebacker out of Houston, Texas, announced his decision on Wednesday via a live-streamed press conference at his high school gym, sending shockwaves through the college football world.
Carter, known for his elite athleticism, sideline-to-sideline speed, and high football IQ, is widely considered a generational talent on the defensive side of the ball. He recorded 132 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks during his junior season, earning national accolades and drawing comparisons to former Miami greats like Ray Lewis and Jonathan Vilma.
“I felt like Miami wasn’t just recruiting me as a player — they were recruiting me as a person,” Carter said. “Coach Cristobal, Coach Guidry, and the whole staff made me feel like family. I want to be part of bringing The U back to the top.”
The decision marks a major win for head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff, who have worked tirelessly to reinvigorate Miami’s recruiting efforts. With Carter’s pledge, the Hurricanes now boast a top-five class nationally for the 2026 cycle and have added a potential cornerstone to their defense.
Carter’s recruitment was a high-stakes battle from the beginning. Alabama made a strong push, pitching its championship pedigree and NFL pipeline. Notre Dame, meanwhile, emphasized academics and tradition. But in the end, Carter prioritized relationships, early playing time, and the chance to be a leader in a program on the rise.
“He’s a program-changer,” said national recruiting analyst Chad Simmons. “Ethan has the physical tools to start Day 1 in college and the mentality that coaches dream about. Miami just landed a game-wrecker.”
Carter’s commitment also continues Miami’s upward trend in attracting elite talent from outside Florida, a key element in Cristobal’s national recruiting strategy. The Hurricanes have already brought in several blue-chip prospects in recent years, and Carter’s addition could signal a new era for the once-dominant program.
With Ethan Carter now officially headed to Coral Gables, Miami’s defensive future just got a whole lot brighter.
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