News Summary
Four-star wide receiver Vance Spafford has changed his commitment from the University of Georgia to the University of Miami for the 2026 recruiting class. Spafford, previously the longest-tenured member of Georgia’s recruiting class, confirmed his decision on social media. With an impressive record at Mission Viejo High School, including 2,593 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns, his commitment adds significant talent to Miami’s roster as they build for the future.
Mission Viejo, California – Four-star wide receiver Vance Spafford has officially flipped his commitment from the University of Georgia to the University of Miami for the 2026 recruiting class. Spafford confirmed his decision via social media, marking a significant development in college football recruitment.
Prior to his recent commitment to Miami, Spafford was the longest-tenured member of Georgia’s 2026 recruiting class, having committed to the Bulldogs on November 5, 2024. His switch adds a high-profile player to Miami’s roster, as Spafford is ranked No. 96 in the ESPN 300 for his class and currently holds the position of Miami’s second-highest ranked recruit for 2026, following five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell.
The Mission Viejo High School standout stands at 5-foot-10 and has made a considerable impact on the field. Over his last two varsity seasons, he has accumulated an impressive 2,593 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns. During his sophomore season in 2023, he played a crucial role in leading his high school team to a state championship. In his most recent junior season, Spafford recorded 57 catches for 1,017 yards and 14 touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as a reliable pass catcher.
Commitment History and Recruitment Journey
Before settling on Miami, Spafford had taken official visits to both Washington and UCLA. He also received interest from other prominent programs, including Miami and USC, which contributed to his recruitment journey. His recent commitment positions him as the first wide receiver in Miami’s 2026 class, which also features four-star quarterback Dereon Coleman, who earned recognition by participating in the Elite 11 Finals.
Spafford’s commitment comes after an official visit to Georgia on the weekend of June 13, which likely influenced his decision to evaluate his options further. His new home at Miami is shaped not just by the football program’s current trajectory but also by a promising outlook that he sees for the team’s future. He anticipates making a significant impact within their offensive strategies.
Player Rankings and Evaluations
In terms of player evaluations, Spafford boasts a 92 rating on 247Sports. He currently ranks No. 124 overall nationally, and as the 12th wide receiver and 17th player in California. The 247Sports Composite rankings position him at 74th in the nation and ninth among wide receivers.
Despite his inability to visit Miami due to illness, Spafford expressed a strong connection with Miami’s coaching staff, particularly highlighting his rapport with Coach Cristobal and Coach Dawson. He believes that Miami’s culture and team environment are a great fit for his aspirations as a player.
Future Prospects
Spafford plans to take his official campus visit to Miami during the Notre Dame game this fall, which will provide him with the opportunity to further immerse himself in the team culture and connect with coaches and fellow players. He has expressed optimism that Miami is on a trajectory to become a competitive team in collegiate football in the coming years.
As Miami continues to build its 2026 recruiting class, Spafford’s commitment adds depth and talent to their roster, positioning them favorably in future matchups.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Vance Spafford Flips Commitment to Miami from Georgia
Vance Spafford Commits to Miami After Flipping from Georgia
Jeron Jones Commits to Washington Huskies
Orange County High School Sports Year Ends with Memorable Highlights
Vance Spafford Cancels Miami Visit Amid Recruitment Exploration
Jeron Jones Commits to Washington Huskies Football
Jeron Jones Commits to University of Washington Football
Orange County Faces Scorching Heat Spike with Excessive Heat Watch Issued
Federal Judge Approves $2.8 Billion Antitrust Settlement in College Athletics
Indiana Football Secures Commitments from Top Prospects
Additional Resources
- ESPN: Vance Spafford Flips to Miami
- Wikipedia: Vance Spafford
- DawgNation: Vance Spafford’s Commitment
- Google Search: Vance Spafford
- 247Sports: Scouting Analysis on Vance Spafford
- Google Scholar: Vance Spafford
- On3: Miami Flips Vance Spafford
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vance Spafford
- Sun Sentinel: Hurricanes Flip Spafford
- Google News: Vance Spafford
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
