Mario Cristobal goes back west to land another key piece for the Hurricanes’ elite 2027 recruiting class
The good times keep on rolling for the Canes this offseason on the recruiting trail.
The Miami Hurricanes are looking to put a bow on what’s been a terrific offseason of recruiting for Mario Cristobal and his staff.
Coming into Tuesday, Cristobal had built a consensus top five class, with multiple five stars headlining the class. With 19 commits, Miami has a number of potential difference makers coming to Coral Gables after the 2026 season.
And on Tuesday, Cristobal brought that class up to a nice round number of 20 commitments with the addition of a big-time West Coast playmaker. Four-star wide receiver Eli Woodard from Temecula, CA (Chaparral) committed to Miami over UCLA and Cal.
Four-star WR Eli Woodard commits to Miami over UCLA and Cal
Woodard checks in as the No. 156 overall player, No. 23 wide receiver, and No. 16 player in the state of California for the 2027 recruiting cycle in Rivals’ industry rankings. Beyond Miami, UCLA, and Cal, he held offers from USC, Oregon, Michigan, Missouri, BYU, and Arizona State. He had been committed to the Trojans before decommitting in May.
Miami got Woodard on campus for an official visit back in late May, and a month later, Cristobal and Miami wide receivers coach Kevin Beard managed to close the deal.
Listed at 5-11, 180 pounds, Woodard is a dynamic talent who appears best suited in the slot for the Hurricanes. He is lightning quick and has the speed down the field to go with the agility and get off near the line of scrimmage.
Woodard is the second pick up for Miami from Southern California for their 2027 class. Cristobal was also able to flip five-star Long Beach CB Donte Wright from Georgia back in May.