Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes are developing their future running back corps, having signed four-star talent Ty Keys in the 2027 recruiting class.
According to On3 insider Hayes Fawcett, Keys pledged his commitment to the Hurricanes on Friday. He was from Poplarville, Mississippi, and picked the Hurricanes over the Ole Miss Rebels and the Florida State Seminoles.
Keys stands out as a four-star prospect with a 90 rating on 247Sports. He is ranked eighth among all players in the state of Mississippi and 14th among running backs. His combined score of 0. 9223 places him seventh, fourteenth, and 213th in the nation in those categories.
“Tall, slashing runner who has the potential to be a featured option on Saturdays. As a junior, he ripped through opponents in a throwback attack that incorporated single-wing ideas, running for 3,285 yards and 45 touchdowns at a rate of 10. 9 yards per carry. Can tax the perimeter, but finds remarkable success working between the tackles as he cuts and gets vertical. Quick to spot problems. Not hesitant to remove the shoulder pads. “Will gain speed, but may lose steam,” according to 247Sports’ Scouting Director Andrew Ivins.
“Limited production as a pass receiver so far, but he grabbed attention at The Opening New Orleans regional, running freely down the sidelines on wheel routes. Projects as a possible impact player at the Power Four level who may need a year to gain some size, but may still contribute early minutes in a rotation.
What prospects exist for Miami following the acquisition of Ty Key?
Mario Cristobal and Miami acquired a skilled player for their future attack. Ty Keys offers a skill set that will benefit them right from Day 1.
Keys achieved the title of ‘Alpha Dog’ of The Opening New Orleans regional in March. In 2025, he had 301 attempts for 3,285 yards (10. 9 YPC) and 45 touchdowns in his junior season. He also established a Magnolia State single-game rushing record of 546 yards and 8 touchdowns in Poplarville’s 60-54 shootout triumph over Hancock.
Cristobal and Miami will attempt to build on a fantastic season in 2025. They concluded with a 13-3 overall record, losing to Indiana to finish as runners-up in the national championship game.
