The commitment of 2025 four-star linebacker Elijah Melendez has become precarious, with multiple sources indicating that the Miami football team will compete for the Kissimmee Osceola standout. Adam Gorney, Rivals.Com’s National Recruiting Director, stated on Monday that all four programs hosting Melendez for official visits are even.
Melendez has made official visits to Auburn, Mississippi, and Oklahoma over the last three weekends. Melendez will spend the weekend in Miami as part of his official visit. According to David Johnson of 247Sports, Mississippi is tied with Miami in Melendez’s recruitment.
Derek Nicholson, Miami’s linebackers coach and recently elevated co-defensive coordinator, is overseeing Melendez’s recruitment. Auburn defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin, who previously served as head coach at Maryland, is leading the Tigers’ recruiting efforts.
Gorney reported. Melendez believes Oklahoma’s head coach, Brent Venables, is an LB guru who has made him feel important and at home in Norman. Melendez still loves Miami, according to Gorney. Melendez is the second-longest 2025 Miami commit, trailing quarterback Luke Nickel.
Melendez is the 81st prospect, 16th player in Florida, and second inside linebacker in Rivals’ 2025 rankings. Melendez is ranked by Rivals as the best talent committed to Miami in the 2025 recruiting class. Timothy Merritt, a three-star cornerback, is the only other defensive player committed to Miami for 2025.
Melendez told Chad Simmons of On3, “After my trip to Miami, I’ll go home, sit down, take some time, and make my final decision. “All four schools are up there.” Melendez’s last official visit to Miami should be seen positively.
Mario Cristobal, defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, and Nicholson will have the opportunity to counter the pitches from Auburn, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. Cristobal, Guidry, and Nicholson will be able to reaffirm their plans for Melendez and how he will be utilized in the Miami defence in the future.
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