Miami Football Facing Competition for 2025 4-Star LB Commit Elijah Melendez
Several reports indicate that multiple programs are vying for Miami’s 2025 four-star linebacker commit, Elijah Melendez. The commitment from Melendez, a standout at Kissimmee Osceola, is becoming uncertain as new reports suggest Miami faces significant challenges. According to Adam Gorney, Rivals.com National Recruiting Director, the four programs hosting Melendez for official visits are currently on equal footing.
Melendez has recently visited Auburn, Mississippi, and Oklahoma over the past three weekends and is set to visit Miami this weekend. David Johnson of 247Sports reported that Mississippi is on par with Miami in the race for Melendez.
Miami’s recruitment efforts are being led by linebackers coach and newly promoted co-defensive coordinator Derek Nicholson. Auburn’s recruitment is headed by defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin, a former Maryland head coach.
Gorney noted that Melendez views Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables as a linebacker expert, making him feel prioritized and at home in Norman. Despite this, Melendez still holds Miami in high regard. Melendez is Miami’s second-longest 2025 commit after quarterback Luke Nickel.
In the 2025 Rivals rankings, Melendez is the 81st overall prospect, the 16th player in Florida, and the second-ranked inside linebacker. He is the top prospect committed to Miami in the 2025 class, with three-star cornerback Timothy Merritt being the only other defensive player committed.
Melendez told Chad Simmons of On3 that after his visit to Miami, he will take some time to finalize his decision, stating, “All four schools are up there.” His final visit to Miami is seen as a positive sign.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal, defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, and Nicholson will have the chance to counter the pitches from Auburn, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, emphasizing their plans for Melendez’s future role in the Miami defense.
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