Miami Hurricanes Recruiting: Another flip attempt flops as 4-star LB Tarvos “TJ” Alford rejects Miami’s offer, signs with Ohio State

An athletic linebacker, Alford chooses Columbus over Coral Gables.

Another flip attempt for a blue chip player has gone by the wayside as Vero Beach (FL) 4-star LB Tarvos “TJ” Alford sticks with his commitment to Ohio State over Miami.

An athletic 6’2” 210lb linebacker, Alford has the size and sideline to sideline athleticism Miami desperately needs to help improve the defense. But, that size and athleticism is heading to Ohio State and not Miami.

Miami was the runner-up for Alford when he made his initial commitment back in March. The Canes continued to recruit the blue chip defender through the 2024 HSFB season, and at times looked like they had the inside track to flipping his commitment. Miami has gone head to head against Ohio State to flip several players over the past few years, and Alford was a prime target for this year. But, as you already know, those efforts were unsuccessful, and Alford will be taking his talents to the Buckeyes.

This continues a terrible run of performance for Miami, on the field, in the rankings, and in the world of recruiting. And, with talented players like Alford (and others) choosing to go elsewhere, Miami has a metric ton of work to do to change the things that are nowhere near where we need them to be.

More to come on Miami recruiting through the Early Signing Period and National Signing Day in February.

Go Canes