Four-star LB Israel Briggs confirms receiving offer from Mario Cristobal's Miami Hurricanes

Four-star linebacker Israel Briggs from California's Central Valley is emerging as a top Atlantic Coast Conference prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. The Mt. Whitney High School standout has received offers from UNLV, Auburn, Colorado State, Florida State and California.

Mario Cristobal's Miami Hurricanes also entered the race for Briggs recruitment by extending an offer. The linebacker shared the news on X, writing:

"I’m very blessed to receive an offer from The University of Miami🧡🤍 !!!!!!#gohurricanes @adamgorney @GregBiggins @AlecDaSilva @recruitcoachmc @BrandonHuffman @ChadSimmons_ @MWHSAthletics @CoachWoodiel."

The Hurricanes have three players committed in the 2026 class, which ranks No. 10 in the nation and No. 2 in the ACC. It features promising prospects like four-star linebacker Jordan Campbell, four-star wide receiver Malachi Toney and three-star quarterback Dereon Coleman.

Miami will face stiff competition from other programs that are leading the race for Briggs' commitment. According to On3's Recruiting Prediction Machine, California holds a 15.7% chance of securing Briggs, followed closely by UNLV at 13.7%, Colorado State at 11.8%, and SMU at 9.8%. None of these teams have yet earned a commitment from any player in the 2026 class.

Israel Briggs' athletic profile

According to national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins, Israel Briggs stands out because of his ability to make plays after the catch. He also possesses an impressive combination of speed and agility that allows him to make defenders miss in the open field. The prospect is also lauded as a tenacious blocker.

Briggs has excelled in various roles on the field, but he is primarily being recruited as a tight end. He recorded 44 receptions for 571 yards and eight touchdowns in his sophomore season. The linebacker is also a standout in basketball and track, where he posted a personal best of 11.42 seconds in the 100-meter dash and a long jump of 21 feet, 10 inches this past spring.

Israel Briggs is ranked as the No. 221 overall prospect in the nation by 247 Sports, the No. 11 tight end in the 2026 class and the No. 26 recruit in California.