The Florida Gators are in a pivotal moment when it comes to shaping the future of their quarterback room-and potentially the direction of their entire program. With a new head coach at the helm in Jon Sumrall, all eyes are on how Florida plans to navigate the high-stakes world of 2027 recruiting. And right now, there's one name that looms large: Elijah Haven.
Haven, a five-star quarterback out of Baton Rouge, is the kind of talent that can change the trajectory of a program. At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, he’s not just big-he’s productive.
This past season, he put up a staggering 4,714 passing yards and 73 touchdowns, setting a new Louisiana state record. That’s not just eye-popping-it’s game-changing.
And it's exactly the kind of resume that has top programs across the country lining up for his commitment.
Florida, to its credit, was in a strong position early in Haven’s recruitment. Under then-head coach Billy Napier, the Gators were aggressive in their pursuit.
So much so that by August 2025, recruiting insiders like Sam Spiegelman and Steve Wiltfong had both logged crystal ball predictions in Florida’s favor. The Gators had momentum, and it looked like Haven could be the centerpiece of their 2027 class.
But then the coaching change happened. Napier’s departure opened the door for uncertainty, and while Jon Sumrall has hit the ground running-pulling in 25 transfers through the portal to reload for the 2026 season-recruiting elite high school talent is a different kind of challenge. Especially at quarterback, where relationships and continuity often play a major role in a recruit’s decision-making process.
Since taking over, Sumrall has had to reestablish Florida’s position in Haven’s recruitment. And it hasn’t been easy.
With new schools entering the mix, including Kentucky, the race for Haven has tightened. According to Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett, Haven is now down to four finalists: Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, and Florida.
That’s elite company-and it underscores just how competitive this recruitment has become. All four programs have strong quarterback pedigrees, and all four offer a compelling path to the next level.
For Florida, landing Haven would be more than just a recruiting win. It would be a statement.
A signal that despite the coaching turnover, the Gators are still a force to be reckoned with on the recruiting trail.
Haven would also give Sumrall a foundational piece to build around. A quarterback like this doesn’t just fill a roster spot-he elevates the entire program. And as Sumrall looks to establish his identity in Gainesville, a commitment from Haven could be the kind of spark that accelerates the rebuild.
The road ahead won’t be easy. Florida is fighting against stability and tradition at places like Georgia and Alabama, and Auburn has surged with energy under its current leadership. But if Sumrall and his staff can close the deal on Haven, it could mark the beginning of a new era in The Swamp-one led by a record-setting quarterback with SEC-ready tools.
For now, the Gators remain in the hunt. And while the coaching change may have complicated things, the opportunity is still there. It’s up to Sumrall and his team to make their pitch count.