Florida’s 2027 recruiting class is starting to take shape, and the Gators are making moves early. Over the weekend, they locked in another key official visit, this time with rising Alabama prospect Braden Gordon - a name that’s quietly picking up steam in recruiting circles.
Gordon, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound athlete out of Montgomery, Alabama, is currently projected to play linebacker at the next level. ESPN has him rated as a four-star, while Rivals and 247 Sports list him as a three-star. Regardless of the star count, the tape tells a compelling story: Gordon is a disruptive force on defense, with a knack for getting into the backfield and finishing plays.
What stands out on film is his ability to blitz with purpose. He doesn’t just rely on raw speed or brute strength - he shows discipline in his angles and technique.
When he gets his hands on a ball carrier, he wraps up cleanly, rarely relying on highlight-reel hits to get the job done. That kind of consistency is what college coaches love to see in a young linebacker.
Right now, he looks like a natural fit at outside linebacker, but there’s some versatility in his frame. If he continues to bulk up, don’t be surprised if he eventually grows into an EDGE role. That flexibility only boosts his value at the next level.
And he’s not just a one-way player. Gordon also lines up at running back for his high school squad - and he’s no slouch there, either.
He posted 455 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on just 61 carries in 2025, showcasing a physical, downhill running style that mirrors his aggression on defense. That two-way toughness gives you a glimpse into the kind of athlete Florida is eyeing.
Gordon was on campus last month for Florida’s Junior Day, and now he’s set to return for an official visit in June. That’s the only official visit on his calendar so far, according to his 247 profile, and it’s a good sign for the Gators that they’re getting a second look this early.
He’s also been drawing interest from a number of other Power Five programs. In the past few weeks, he’s picked up offers from Georgia Tech, Miami, and Kentucky, adding to an already impressive list that includes LSU, Notre Dame, Michigan, Auburn, and Alabama.
Florida’s staff, led by Jon Sumrall, is clearly working to get ahead in the 2027 cycle, and locking in visits with high-upside prospects like Gordon is a big part of that strategy. There’s still a long way to go before decisions are made, but getting a player like Gordon on campus early - and potentially first - gives Florida a meaningful head start in what’s shaping up to be a competitive recruitment.