The Florida Gators are making serious strides in the recruitment of one of the top wideouts in the 2027 class-Julius Jones Jr. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound receiver out of Fort Lauderdale’s powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas program has narrowed his list to eight schools, and Florida is right in the thick of it.
Jones Jr. named Oregon, Notre Dame, Michigan, LSU, Florida State, Texas, Miami, and Florida as his final eight. And when asked about the Gators, he didn’t mince words-he said they’re “definitely closer to the top.” That’s a strong signal from a player whose stock continues to rise.
Let’s break down why Jones Jr. is such a coveted prospect. Ranked as a top-70 recruit nationally in the class of 2027, he’s currently the No. 12 wide receiver in the country and the No. 7 overall prospect in Florida, according to Rivals. ESPN also has him pegged as a four-star with an 83 scout grade, placing him 13th among wide receivers and 63rd overall in their Junior 300.
What separates Jones Jr. from the pack isn’t just his rankings-it’s the way he plays. He’s a natural pass-catcher with elite ball-tracking skills.
Whether it’s a one-handed snag, an over-the-shoulder grab, or a contested catch in traffic, Jones Jr. finds a way to bring the ball in. His tape is filled with highlight-reel plays that show off his hands, body control, and ability to make defenders miss after the catch.
He put those skills on full display at the Under Armour All-America practice sessions. On day one, he hauled in a sharp pass from Illinois commit Kamden Lopati, slipped a tackle, and added extra yardage.
By the end of day two, he was ranked the No. 6 performer overall. One of his standout moments came in the red zone, where he turned his back to the ball mid-route and still managed to make a tough touchdown grab over a five-star safety.
That’s the kind of play that turns heads-and earns offers.
Statistically, his 2025 season was rock solid. In 13 games, he caught 51 passes for 750 yards and eight touchdowns.
That’s an average of 14.7 yards per reception and nearly 58 yards per game, with a long of 60 yards. He’s not just a volume guy-he’s a big-play threat every time he touches the ball.
And while he’s primarily a wide receiver, Jones Jr. has shown he can line up on the defensive side as well, logging a tackle in 2025. That kind of versatility only adds to his value.
Recruiting-wise, his offer sheet is stacked. He holds offers from more than 20 schools, including Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, and Miami.
Right now, the buzz leans toward Notre Dame, but Florida has a track record of flipping top-tier talent late in the process. The Gators have made a strong impression-not just on Julius, but on his entire family.
According to Jones Jr., Florida did an excellent job of making him, his younger brother, and his family feel “loved and cared about.” That kind of personal connection matters, especially in today’s recruiting landscape.
For Florida, this is more than just being in the top eight-it’s about momentum. The Gators are trending up, and getting into Jones Jr.’s final group is another sign that their recruiting efforts are resonating with elite talent. If they can keep building that relationship, they’ll have a real shot at landing one of the most dynamic receivers in the 2027 cycle.