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Miami Hurricanes Land 4-Star WR Vance Spafford in Major Flip from Georgia
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes have struck again on the recruiting trail. Four-star wide receiver Vance Spafford, a top-100 national prospect out of Mission Viejo (Calif.), officially flipped his commitment from Georgia to Miami on Sunday, delivering a major recruiting win for the Canes.

Spafford had been pledged to the Bulldogs since November 2024 and was viewed as one of the crown jewels of Georgia’s 2025 class. However, despite his official visit to Athens earlier this month, momentum had been steadily building behind the scenes for Miami. That momentum turned into a reality as Spafford announced his decision publicly, citing his strong relationship with the Hurricanes’ coaching staff and his belief in the program’s long-term vision.

Miami was always a serious contender behind the scenes. Spafford previously visited Coral Gables and quickly connected with head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson. The Canes’ offensive system, which emphasizes vertical passing and getting playmakers into space, appealed to Spafford’s skill set as a route technician and reliable pass-catcher. Even though a planned official visit this weekend was canceled due to illness, the Hurricanes’ persistence and consistent communication won out.

Ranked No. 85 overall in the On3 Industry Rankings and among the top 15 wide receivers nationally, Spafford brings polish, explosiveness, and elite ball skills to Miami’s 2025 class. He’s the kind of player who can stretch the field vertically or work underneath as a dependable chain-mover, and he should have the opportunity to contribute early in Coral Gables, given Miami’s young receiver room.

UCLA and Washington were also in the mix down the stretch, but the combination of Miami’s NIL structure, offensive vision, and momentum in the 2025 class helped tip the scales. This commitment marks another high-profile recruiting victory for Cristobal, who continues to solidify his reputation as one of the top closers in the country.

With Spafford now officially on board, Miami adds another blue-chip weapon to its growing 2025 haul and sends a strong message: The Canes are building something serious, and top-tier talent from coast to coast is taking notice.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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