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Miami Receives Strong Message From 3,200-Yard Running Back

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Mar 26, 2026 1:14 PM ET

Coming off a national championship loss, the Miami Hurricanes have grabbed the attention of some of the top high school recruits in the nation. It's translating on paper, as Mario Cristobal and his staff already have the eighth-ranked 2027 recruiting class with seven commitments.

The Hurricanes continue to push for more additions, specifically eying running back Ty Keys out of Poplarville, Mississippi. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 175 pounds, he is a four-star recruit, the No. 9 running back and the No. 178 player in the nation, per Rivals Industry Rankings.

Following an impressive junior season at Poplarville High School, interest continues to grow. In 13 games, Keys rushed the ball 301 times for 3,285 yards and 45 touchdowns.

Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal.© Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

After hosting him for a visit back on Sep. 20, 2025, Miami has found itself in a high-powered battle for the running back. Keys holds offers from teams such as the Ole Miss Rebels, Oregon Ducks, Mississippi State Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide.

However, in an article from Rivals' Chad Simmons, Keys revealed that the Hurricanes are in the lead.

“I am really liking Miami a lot right now,” he said. “They are definitely on top. I was at Miami for a game during the season and I loved it. They have been on me hard and I have liked them for a while... Coach Mario Cristobal is a coach who tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear."

While he has only made it to Coral Gables once, Simmons noted that Keys plans to return for another visit in April. Despite Miami currently being on top, though, he is also scheduled to make an official visit with Ole Miss on May 29.

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

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