DeAnthony Lafayette has committed to Miami after decommitting from LSU following Brian Kelly’s firing. The four-star edge rusher confirmed his decision to Yahoo Sports this week.
Lafayette was ranked as the No. 41 edge rusher nationally and the No. 5 edge rusher in Florida.
The Florida native had narrowed his choices to Miami and Florida State after reopening his recruitment. He chose the Hurricanes and coach Mario Cristobal over the Seminoles.
“I was back there this weekend, and I’ve known I was going to Miami for a little bit now,” Lafayette told Rivals. “I chose Miami over Florida State after the change at LSU.”
Lafayette put up impressive numbers as a junior with 73 tackles, 40 quarterback hurries, and over 17 sacks. Those stats helped him earn his four-star ranking despite playing in Florida’s competitive high school football scene.
The coaching staff played a major role in his flip to Miami.
“Coach (Jason) Taylor was a big part of my decision. He’s one of the best coaches in the country. Look at what he’s doing with players at Miami. He’s a great coach who can really develop players.”
Lafayette also praised Defensive Coordinator Lance Hetherman’s scheme and consistency throughout the recruiting process.
“Coach Hetherman is a great defensive coordinator,” Lafayette said. “I like his scheme and he was part of my decision.”
Miami’s persistence impressed Lafayette even when his commitment seemed unlikely. He said the coaching staff “stayed consistent” and “kept recruiting me and kept making me feel important.”
The edge rusher fills a need for Miami. Rueben Bain Jr. is projected by many NFL draft analysts as the first edge rusher selected in the upcoming draft. That departure would leave a significant hole in Miami’s pass rush for 2026.
Lafayette admitted he had made his decision before his official visit to Miami last weekend.
He plans to sign with the Hurricanes during the early signing period in December. Miami has recruited well under Cristobal, and adding Lafayette continues that trend for the program.
