Update: Versatile DB with the ability to play both cornerback and safety announce commitment to Miami hurricanes
In a dramatic twist that sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, Rivals250 defensive back Jaelen Waters made headlines when he flipped his commitment from Florida State to the Miami Hurricanes. The 6’1″, 190-pound standout from Jacksonville, Florida, had long been seen as a cornerstone of FSU’s 2025 recruiting class, but in a surprising turn of events, Waters announced his decision to join Miami, further intensifying the rivalry between the two storied programs.
Waters, ranked among the top 250 recruits in the nation, had been a coveted target for several major college football programs. His recruitment had been closely followed by fan bases across the country, with Florida State initially believed to be the frontrunner for his services. However, after what he described as “a lot of thought and conversations with family,” Waters made the choice to flip to Miami, citing a strong relationship with the Hurricanes coaching staff and the program’s vision for the future.
“I want to thank the Florida State coaching staff for all the love and support they’ve shown me throughout this process,” Waters said in his social media post announcing the flip. “But after talking with my family and thinking about where I can best develop as a player and as a person, I’ve decided that the University of Miami is the best place for me. I’m excited to be a part of something special down in Coral Gables, and I’m ready to work.”
Waters’ decision to commit to Miami is a massive win for head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff, who have made recruiting South Florida a top priority since arriving at the helm of the Hurricanes program. Known for his ability to develop defensive talent, Cristobal has already made significant inroads with top recruits, and Waters’ commitment only adds to the momentum.
The addition of Waters, a versatile defensive back with the ability to play both cornerback and safety, addresses a critical need for Miami. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ has made him one of the most sought-after defensive backs in the country, and his ability to cover elite receivers, make plays on the ball, and contribute in run support makes him an immediate impact player.
For Florida State, Waters’ decommitment represents a significant loss. The Seminoles, under head coach Mike Norvell, had been building a strong class, and Waters was expected to be a cornerstone of their defensive backfield. His departure leaves a hole in FSU’s recruiting efforts and serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of college football recruiting, where nothing is certain until National Signing Day.
Miami fans, on the other hand, are buzzing with excitement over the addition of Waters, viewing him as the latest piece of what could be a program-altering recruiting class. With the Hurricanes looking to reestablish themselves as a dominant force in both the ACC and on the national stage, securing commitments from high-profile players like Waters is critical to their long-term success.
As the dust settles on this recruiting battle, one thing is clear: Jaelen Waters’ decision to flip from Florida State to Miami has only added fuel to one of college football’s fiercest rivalries. Both programs will continue to compete for top talent in the Sunshine State, and Waters’ choice is a testament to the ever-shifting landscape of recruiting, where relationships, program fit, and vision for development are key factors in a player’s decision-making process.
Miami’s recruiting class now looks even stronger with Waters in the fold, and the Hurricanes faithful are eager to see what the future holds with this latest addition.
