Florida Zeroes In on Underrated 2027 Tight End Jackson Ballinger
With the 2026 recruiting cycle mostly wrapped and star ratings largely settled, attention now shifts to the class of 2027 - and this is where things get interesting. Every new cycle brings a recalibration of rankings, and while some early standouts might slide, it’s also a golden window for under-the-radar prospects to make their move.
Florida is hoping that’s exactly the case with a tight end they’ve got their eyes on: Jackson Ballinger out of Ohio. He’s currently unranked across the major recruiting services, but based on the tape, that feels like a temporary oversight.
A True Tight End in a High School World of Hybrids
Ballinger checks in at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds - already carrying a college-ready frame. But what really stands out is how he plays the position.
A lot of high school tight ends fall into one of two buckets: oversized receivers who will figure out blocking later, or glorified sixth linemen who rarely run routes. Ballinger doesn’t fit either mold.
He’s a true dual-threat tight end, and that’s not a term we use lightly. Whether he’s lined up in-line or flexed out wide, Ballinger looks like a player who already understands the full scope of the position.
As a blocker, he’s not just holding his own - he’s dominating. He finishes blocks, drives defenders into the turf, and plays with the kind of edge you want in a college-level tight end.
And then there’s the receiving game. Ballinger’s catch radius is massive, and he’s a nightmare matchup for high school defenders.
He’s physical at the catch point, shows strong hands, and gets used in a variety of ways - from seam routes to quick outs to red-zone fades. This isn’t a one-dimensional prospect.
He’s a complete tight end who’s already doing the things college coaches ask of their guys on Saturdays.
The One Knock - and Why It Might Not Matter
If there’s one thing that could hold Ballinger back in the short term, it’s speed - or at least the perception of it. On film, he doesn’t flash the kind of breakaway burst that tends to light up the offseason camp circuit, and that could impact how quickly he climbs the rankings. Speed often plays an outsized role in early evaluations, especially in non-game settings.
But here’s the thing: Ballinger plays fast enough. He understands leverage, knows how to get open, and uses his frame to shield defenders. He doesn’t need to run a 4.5 to be effective - he just needs to keep doing what he’s already doing.
Florida’s Interest Is Real
Ballinger was in Gainesville for Florida’s Junior Day, and both On3 and 247 have confirmed that he’s set to return for an official visit. That’s a clear signal the Gators see something in him - and they’re not alone. As rankings start to shift and more coaches dive into the 2027 film pool, don’t be surprised if Ballinger’s name starts climbing the charts.
For now, he’s flying under the radar. But based on what we’ve seen, it won’t be long before the rest of the recruiting world catches up.