Miami extended its outstanding recruiting streak Friday afternoon, getting a commitment from top interior offensive lineman S.J. Alofaituli, beating out Michigan and Nebraska. Alofaituli, a five-star offensive guard from Nevada’s Bishop Gorman High School and the No. 10 overall prospect in the 2025 ESPN 300, made his selection during official visits to Miami, Michigan, and Nebraska last month. He is officially the top-ranked talent in Miami’s 2025 recruiting class.
Coach Mario Cristobal is on a recruiting tear, with Alofaituli being his tenth pledge since June 18. Former USC commit Hylton Stubbs, who joined the Hurricanes on July 4, joins inside linebacker Gavin Nix (No. 191 in the 2025 ESPN 300), defensive end Herbert Scroggins (No. 262), and cornerback Chris Ewald (No. 274). Elijah Melendez, a four-star inside linebacker who committed in December, is still the class’s top defense.
Alofaituli, among the greatest experienced offensive linemen in the 2025 class, received numerous offers, including considerable interest from the SEC and the Big Ten. His decision to attend Miami was influenced by Miami offensive line coach Alex Mirabal, as well as the program’s reputation for generating top offensive lineman. “The atmosphere and the people who make the program so special really stood out to me,” Alofaituli told ESPN. “Coach Cristobal, Coach Mirabal, and [graduate assistant] Reggie Bain are great people who know how to develop offensive linemen.
Alofaituli, who is originally from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, has been a standout offensive lineman at Bishop Gorman and will complete his high school career as a four-year starter. He was known for his flexibility across the line and was instrumental in leading his team to a 12-0 season and the Nevada 5A Division I state title last year. Alofaituli is anticipated to play as a guard or center in college. With his pledge, Alofaituli intends to end his recruitment process. “It’s closed for now,” he remarked. “But if anything changes, I might consider taking visits.
Miami began the month outside of ESPN’s top-25 list for the 2025 class. However, with Alofaituli’s pledge topping off a successful recruiting campaign for Cristobal and his team, the Hurricanes are gaining traction as the recruiting season heats up in July.
