5-Star 2026 Cornerback NiJaree Canady Shakes Up Recruiting Scene, Drops Oregon and Texas Tech for New Final Four—Set to Visit South Carolina with Texas Commit This Weekend

𝙍𝘼𝘿𝙄𝘾𝘼𝙇 𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙄𝙉𝙂: 5-Star 2026 Cornerback NiJaree Canady Shakes Up Recruiting Scene, Drops Oregon and Texas Tech for New Final Four—Set to Visit South Carolina with Texas Commit This Weekend

 

One of the most dynamic and talked-about recruits in the 2026 college football class has just changed the trajectory of his recruitment—and possibly the fortunes of several Power Five programs. NiJaree Canady, a consensus five-star cornerback and one of the most feared shutdown defenders in the country, has revised his top school list ahead of his final round of official visits, shaking up a once-stable recruiting landscape.

 

Canady, originally favoring Texas Tech, Florida State, Oregon, and South Carolina, has now revealed a new top four: South Carolina, Texas, Miami, and Florida State. Oregon and Texas Tech, both seen as early frontrunners due to strong relationships with defensive back coaches and early playing time pitches, have officially fallen out of favor.

 

Sources close to Canady say the change comes after a deep evaluation of program culture, scheme fit, and long-term development—both athletically and personally.

 

 

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The Shift: From West Coast Dreams to Southern Strategy

 

The removal of Oregon from Canady’s list is particularly surprising. The Ducks had been in heavy pursuit of the lockdown corner, flying out multiple coaches for in-home visits and offering Canady NIL-backed leadership opportunities. Yet, according to those close to his camp, the West Coast distance and uncertainty over defensive staff turnover played a role in their elimination.

 

Texas Tech, another early contender that had positioned itself as a rising power, reportedly fell off after Canady sought more national exposure and stronger postseason potential—something the Red Raiders haven’t consistently delivered in recent years.

 

Now, it’s a Southern battle, and it’s about to get personal.

 

 

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South Carolina’s Major Opportunity: Columbia Visit This Weekend with Texas Commit

 

South Carolina may now hold the inside track in this rapidly intensifying race.

 

The Gamecocks are set to host Canady this weekend for an official visit in Columbia, and he won’t be coming alone. Sources confirm he’ll be joined by a Texas Longhorns commit—a key friend and fellow elite recruit who’s been actively pushing Canady to consider the burnt orange.

 

South Carolina has been making major moves on the recruiting trail under head coach Shane Beamer, and adding Canady would vault their class into top-10 territory. Canady’s ability to read quarterbacks, close space with elite speed, and blanket top receivers makes him one of the most college-ready DBs in the nation. He’s a difference-maker, and Beamer’s staff is reportedly preparing a full-court press this weekend.

 

 

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Texas Rising: The Longhorns Make a Late Surge

 

Speaking of the Longhorns, Texas is the newest addition to Canady’s top four, and they’re doing everything they can to capitalize on the moment.

 

After recently securing a commitment from one of Canady’s close friends—an elite safety prospect out of Houston—the Longhorns have shifted their strategy from a perimeter push to an all-out blitz. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and secondary coach Terry Joseph have been leading the charge, reportedly selling Canady on an immediate role in Austin’s revamped secondary as the Longhorns prepare for their first years in the SEC.

 

Texas’ surge in defensive recruiting, strong NIL backing, and plans to develop Canady as a true CB1 may be turning heads at just the right time.

 

 

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Florida State Holding On Tight

 

Florida State remains the lone survivor from Canady’s original top four, and they’re fighting tooth and nail to stay in it. The Seminoles were the first major program to offer him and have long been thought of as a “legacy contender.” With a strong history of elite defensive back play and a coaching staff that’s kept in regular contact for over two years, FSU is banking on loyalty and developmental trust.

 

However, multiple insiders suggest the Seminoles must have a flawless official visit in the coming weeks if they want to regain the lead.

 

 

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Miami: The Dark Horse in the Room

 

And then there’s Miami.

 

Quietly moving up the board, the Hurricanes have made a strong impression with their revamped coaching staff and bold NIL packages. Known for their aggressive cornerback play and fast-track approach to NFL development, Miami’s pitch is gaining traction. Canady reportedly had a “great” unofficial visit earlier this spring, and the Canes are now in line for an official visit in July.

 

Don’t count them out. The U has pulled off last-minute recruiting flips before—and Canady’s camp has praised the way the program is building both on the field and in branding opportunities.

 

 

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The Big Picture: What This Means

 

This realignment of NiJaree Canady’s top four speaks volumes about where college football recruiting is heading. More than ever, elite recruits are emphasizing coaching stability, NIL strategy, early playing time, and culture.

 

Canady’s ability to completely redefine his recruitment as late as June shows that no program can afford to relax, no matter how secure a lead may seem.

 

This weekend’s visit to Columbia could prove decisive. If South Carolina nails the presentation—and if the Longhorns commit makes a strong impression—the Gamecocks might leap from contender to favorite.

 

But don’t blink.

 

Because in the

world of five-star recruiting, everything can change with one phone call.