Florida Gators Look to Close Strong on Early Signing Day Under New Head Coach Jon Sumrall
Early National Signing Day has arrived, and with it comes a fresh chapter for Florida football. Just days into the Jon Sumrall era, the Gators are aiming to put a strong stamp on their 2026 recruiting class - a group that’s held together remarkably well despite a whirlwind of coaching changes in Gainesville.
Since Billy Napier’s departure on October 19, Florida has lost just one commit - four-star running back Carsyn Baker. That’s no small feat considering the volatility that often follows a coaching change. Now, with 18 verbal commitments still in the fold, the Gators are working to turn those pledges into signed financial agreements - and maybe even add a surprise or two before the day is done.
Sumrall, officially hired on November 30, has wasted no time diving in. He’s been on Zoom calls with recruits and their families, pitching his vision and asking for trust. It's a crash course in relationship-building, but it could pay off quickly if Florida locks in this class.
And there’s plenty of movement across the SEC to keep an eye on. The Gators aren’t the only ones breaking in a new head coach - Lane Kiffin is now at LSU, Alex Golesh took over at Auburn, Ryan Silverfield landed at Arkansas, and Will Stein is the new man at Kentucky. That kind of turnover can shake up recruiting boards across the conference, and Florida could be in position to capitalize.
During Napier’s four-year tenure, Florida’s recruiting classes ranked 18th, 13th, 13th, and 7th nationally, per 247Sports. The foundation is there - now it’s Sumrall’s job to build on it.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key names in Florida’s 2026 class as Signing Day unfolds:
Tyler Chukuyem - Offensive Tackle
- School: South Paulding (Douglasville, GA)
- Size: 6-6, 290 lbs
- Rating: Three-star (247Sports No.
36 OT, No. 554 overall)
Chukuyem is a big-bodied tackle prospect who chose Florida over offers from Florida State, Cincinnati, Ole Miss, and Appalachian State. He’s a developmental lineman with upside, and the Gators are betting on his frame and long-term potential.
Justin Williams - Wide Receiver/Running Back
- School: Gainesville Buchholz
- Size: 5-11, 190 lbs
- 2024 Stats: 108 carries, 1,023 yards, 16 TDs; 85 catches, 1,473 yards, 13 TDs
- Rating: 4-star (No. 37 in Florida, No. 15 ATH nationally)
Williams is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the state - a true dual-threat weapon who racked up over 2,500 total yards this season. He’s shifty, explosive, and simply electric with the ball in his hands.
While his route-running still has room to grow, his ability to separate and make defenders miss is already elite. He’s the kind of player who turns routine plays into highlights.
Malik Morris - Linebacker
- School: Lakeland
- Size: 6-1, 225 lbs
- 2024 Stats: 95 tackles, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 INT
- Rating: 4-star (No. 3 LB in Florida)
Morris is the heartbeat of a powerhouse Lakeland defense. Whether it’s stuffing the run, rushing the passer, or dropping into coverage, he does it all with a physical edge and high football IQ.
He’s a tone-setter - the kind of linebacker who shows up in every big moment. Expect him to be a leader in Florida’s linebacker room sooner rather than later.
Heze Kent - Tight End
- School: Brunswick (Brunswick, GA)
- Size: 6-6, 310 lbs
- 2024 Stats: 41 catches, 983 yards, 8 receiving TDs; 32 carries, 211 yards, 8 rushing TDs
- Rating: 4-star (No. 167 overall, No. 11 ATH nationally)
Kent is a unicorn. At 6-6 and over 300 pounds, he moves like a much smaller man.
His production last season speaks for itself - nearly 1,000 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, plus another eight scores on the ground. He’s a matchup nightmare who can line up anywhere on the field.
Florida beat out Texas, Miami, Alabama, and FSU to land him, and it’s easy to see why he was such a priority.
Javarii Luckas - Offensive Tackle
- School: Glades Central
- Size: 6-5, 305 lbs
- 2024 Stats: 10 pancake blocks
Luckas is a raw but intriguing offensive line prospect. He’s got the size you want, but his technique and strength still need development.
He’s a long-term project, but the tools are there. If Florida’s coaching staff can unlock his potential, he could turn into a solid contributor down the line.
CJ Bronaugh - Cornerback
- School: Windermere
- Size: 6-1, 166 lbs
- 2024 Stats: 30 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks, 6 INTs, 4 PD, 1 FF, 1 blocked kick
- Rating: 4-star (No. 12 CB nationally)
Bronaugh has been one of the fastest risers in the state this year - literally and figuratively. A state champion sprinter who clocked a 4.39 40-yard dash at the UA Next camp in Orlando, Bronaugh brings elite speed and ball skills to the table.
He’s a natural playmaker who thrives in man coverage and isn’t afraid to bait quarterbacks into mistakes. Florida will have to fend off some late pushes from other top programs, but Bronaugh is a cornerstone-type talent in this class.
Chancellor Campbell - Offensive Tackle
- School: St.
Pete Lakewood
- Size: 6-8, 295 lbs
- Rating: 3-star (No. 49 OT nationally)
Campbell turned heads at the Under Armour Next camp in Orlando, and for good reason. At 6-8, he’s got the kind of frame that college coaches dream about.
But he’s not just tall - he moves well and has solid footwork to match. Miami and Penn State were in the mix, but Florida locked him in.
With his physical tools, he could be a fast riser once he gets into a college strength program.
What’s Next?
With Early Signing Day underway, Florida’s staff is working the phones, Zoom calls, and living rooms to make sure this class stays intact - and maybe even grows. The early returns on Sumrall’s recruiting efforts have been promising, and this class could serve as a strong foundation for his tenure in Gainesville.
The Gators still have work to do, but if today goes according to plan, Florida fans may have real reason to believe the Sumrall era is off to a solid start.