Florida Gators Making a Strong Push for 2027’s Top QB Prospect, Elijah Haven
The Florida Gators are still trying to figure out their quarterback situation for 2026, but they’re already looking ahead-and looking big-when it comes to the future of the position. And if things break their way, they could be on the verge of pulling off a major recruiting coup.
First-year head coach Jon Sumrall has already made some noise this offseason, working the transfer portal with purpose. He brought in former Georgia Tech quarterback Aaron Philo, and Tramell Jones Jr. remains on the roster as well.
But let’s be honest-there’s still a cloud of uncertainty hovering over the Gators’ QB room. Neither Philo nor Jones has locked down the starting job, and while Philo might be the early favorite, there’s no slam-dunk option under center right now.
That’s why all eyes in Gainesville are also fixed firmly on 2027-and specifically on Elijah Haven.
Haven is the kind of quarterback who can change the trajectory of a program. At 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, he’s got the size, the arm talent, and the poise to make him one of the most coveted recruits in the country.
He’s currently ranked as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2027 class by Rivals and the No. 14 overall player. Meanwhile, 247 Sports has him even higher-No. 2 overall in the entire class.
Right now, Alabama is leading the race for Haven’s commitment, and by a wide margin. Recruiting projections give the Crimson Tide a commanding 78.8% chance of landing him.
But don’t count Florida out just yet. The Gators are sitting in second place with an 18.7% shot, ahead of other SEC heavyweights like Auburn and Georgia.
That alone is a statement.
It’s a sign that Sumrall and his staff are making real inroads with Haven, and potentially laying the groundwork for a major recruiting win. The fact that Florida is even in the conversation with Alabama for a player of this caliber-especially considering the Gators’ recent struggles-is noteworthy.
Florida’s been in a rough patch, no doubt about it. The Gators finished 4-8 in 2025, their fourth losing season in the last five years.
For a program with Florida’s pedigree, that’s a tough pill to swallow. The energy around Gainesville has shifted with Sumrall’s arrival, but the rebuild is still very much in progress.
Landing a quarterback like Haven wouldn’t just be a win-it would be a seismic shift. It would signal to the rest of the SEC, and the country, that Florida is serious about returning to national relevance.
It would give the Gators a potential cornerstone to build around for years to come. And it would give Sumrall a marquee victory on the recruiting trail in his first full cycle.
There’s still a long way to go in Haven’s recruitment, and Alabama remains the clear frontrunner. But Florida is firmly in the mix. And if they can somehow flip the script and bring Haven to Gainesville, it could be the spark that reignites a sleeping giant in the SEC.