Elijah Melendez, a four-star linebacker from Kissimmee (Fla.), has officially decommitted from the Miami Hurricanes, according to Hayes Fawcett of On3. Melendez, who pledged his allegiance to Miami on December 13, 2023, has now reopened his recruitment, a key step in the 2025 cycle.
Melendez is widely considered as a top-tier talent, with the On3 Industry Ranking placing him as the No. 172 overall player, the No. 17 linebacker, and the No. 27 recruit from Florida in the 2025 class. This ranking is a composite score based on evaluations from all four main recruiting services. Notably, On3 ranks Melendez as the No. 111 player nationwide and the No. 10 linebacker in their On300 rankings.
Melendez is planning a visit to Auburn, a school that has been aggressively wooing him. This visit could be critical as Auburn seeks to secure his commitment.
Melendez is noted for his exceptional physicality and athleticism. He shines as an inside linebacker, standing 6-foot-1.5 and weighing roughly 220 pounds, with impressive speed and strength on the field. His ability to chase down ball carriers and his toughness in dealing with blocks have made him a force on defense. According to On3’s scouting team, his ability to shed blocks, make plays in tight areas, and future growth in pass coverage place him among the top linebacker prospects in the 2025 class.
Melendez’s decision to decommit from Miami has already sparked attention from other elite institutions, with his scheduled visit to Auburn standing out among college football analysts.
