The Florida Gators are in the early stages of building something under new head coach Jon Sumrall, and one name to keep an eye on as they shape the future of the program is Wonderful “Champ” Monds IV. The 2027 quarterback prospect out of Vero Beach, Florida, has been on the Gators’ radar for quite some time-and now, we know exactly where he’ll be spending his spring visit season.
Monds has officially locked in five visits, and Florida will be the first stop on the tour. He’s scheduled to be in Gainesville on March 26, followed by trips to Florida State (March 28), Ohio State (April 4), Miami (April 11), and Notre Dame (April 18). That’s a strong lineup of programs-three in-state powers and two national blue bloods that have long histories of quarterback development.
According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Monds is a four-star recruit, the No. 28 player in the state of Florida, the No. 17 quarterback in his class, and the No. 254 overall prospect for the 2027 cycle. Those numbers tell you he’s not just a local standout-he’s a national-level talent with the kind of upside that has major programs jockeying for position.
And they’re not the only ones in the mix. Monds holds 34 total offers, with schools like Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Oregon, and Texas A&M all extending scholarships. But for now, it’s clear he’s narrowed his focus to five programs that align with his priorities-whether that’s scheme fit, coaching staff, proximity to home, or a combination of all three.
For Florida, getting the first visit is a notable early win, even if it may simply come down to logistics around spring practice schedules. Still, it gives Sumrall and his staff a valuable opportunity to set the tone and make a strong impression before Monds heads off to the other four campuses. In the world of high-stakes quarterback recruiting, that face-to-face time can go a long way.
There’s also a bit of history here. Even before Sumrall took over in Gainesville, there was already a connection between Monds and the Gators.
That existing relationship, paired with the buzz surrounding Sumrall’s arrival, puts Florida in an intriguing position. Sumrall may be known more for his defensive background, but he’s earned a reputation as a program-builder who knows how to win-and that matters to recruits looking for stability and a path to success.
Florida’s track record of giving homegrown quarterbacks a shot to lead the offense doesn’t hurt, either. For a player like Monds, who’s already shown he can compete at a high level, the opportunity to stay in-state and potentially start for one of the SEC’s premier programs could be a major draw.
The road to a commitment is still a long one, and there’s no shortage of competition. But with his spring schedule now set, we’ll start to get a clearer picture of where Monds’ recruitment is headed. And for Gators fans, seeing “Champ” walk through the doors of the Swamp in late March is a moment worth circling on the calendar.