Miami coach Jai Lucas secures first five-star recruit with commitment from forward Caleb Gaskins

Five-star forward Caleb Gaskins announced Thursday that he is committing to Miami, marking the first five-star recruit for new head coach Jai Lucas. Gaskins, who chose the Hurricanes over Florida and Texas A&M after taking official visits to all three programs, said Miami’s family-oriented environment and welcoming campus made the difference. “Everyone on campus made me feel welcome,” he told ESPN. “Coach Lucas is an honest and genuine guy. I trust him as a person and a coach. In my heart, it’s the best decision to get to the next level.” Gaskins’ former high school coach, Andrew Moran, recently joined Miami’s staff, further strengthening the connection.

The 6-foot-8 forward from Florida, ranked No. 16 in the SC Next 100 for the class of 2026, played alongside Cameron and Cayden Boozer at Christopher Columbus High School, where he helped win a state title. Known for his versatility, Gaskins combines strong interior play with improved perimeter shooting. He has a college-ready physique, a 7-foot-1 wingspan, and the ability to score through post moves or aggressive drives. His decision-making and ability to read the game have also advanced significantly, making him one of the most complete forwards in his class.

On the Nike EYBL circuit last spring, Gaskins averaged 15.7 points and 7.3 rebounds for Nightrydas Elite and excelled at the Peach Jam, posting 20.0 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 60% inside the arc. For Lucas, who built a reputation as one of college basketball’s top recruiters during his time at Duke, Kentucky, and Texas, Gaskins represents a milestone in his early tenure at Miami. Since replacing Jim Larrañaga, Lucas has already landed top-50 recruits Shelton Henderson and Dante Allen, and now, with Gaskins’ commitment, he secures a cornerstone piece for the Hurricanes’ 2026 class.