Miami’s 2025 linebacker signee, Kellen Wiley, was selected by Chris Hummer of 247Sports for “The All-Impact Team: College Football’s 2025 Recruits Who Could Play Right Away.” Hummer highlighted the departure of Miami’s starting middle linebacker, Francisco Mauigoa, as an opportunity for Wiley to make an immediate impact.
Wiley is the ninth-highest-rated recruit in Miami’s 2025 class and ranks fourth among defensive players. Only edge rushers Hayden Lowe and Herbert Scroggins, and safety Bryce Fitzgerald, are ranked higher. Lowe, in particular, is also expected to make an early impact.
Ranked No. 246 in the 247Sports 2025 composite rankings, Wiley is the 27th best linebacker and the 40th overall player from Florida, coming out of Seffner Armwood. He was teammates with Girard Pringle Jr., a highly ranked running back for Miami’s 2025 class.
During his senior season in 2024, Wiley recorded 75 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, 2 interceptions, 2 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. For comparison, Mauigoa had 96 tackles and similar stats that year.
Chris Hummer noted that Wiley has the potential to quickly contribute due to his size and versatility as a linebacker. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, he can play both on- and off-ball linebacker roles, offering athleticism and coverage skills that make him ready for early playing time.
Miami’s linebacker group will be led by Wesley Bissainthe, entering his fourth season as a starter. Under defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, the defense plays a 4-2-5 scheme, and only one linebacker needs to emerge next to Bissainthe.
Wiley has strong physical attributes for a freshman and should continue to develop before the season opener against Notre Dame. Cam Pruitt, a rising sophomore, is likely to be a top contender for the other starting linebacker spot in spring practices.
247Sports’ Andrew Ivins praised Wiley for his athleticism, noting that he can handle coverage responsibilities and stay alert to limit quarterback scramble lanes.
Linebacker development has been a priority for Miami in recent recruiting classes, with Wiley and 2024 signee Adarius Hayes being key players to watch for the 2025 season.
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