Florida’s Big Five Hit the Ground Running as Early Signing Period Kicks Off
The early signing period is officially underway, and across the state of Florida, the recruiting engines are humming. For the next three days, high school seniors and junior college prospects can finally make it official-turning verbal commitments into signed letters of intent. And for Florida’s five most prominent programs-Florida, Florida State, Miami, USF, and UCF-this is where the groundwork laid over months (and sometimes years) starts to pay off.
These aren’t just names on a list. These are future contributors-some day-one impact players, others long-term projects with high ceilings. Let’s take a closer look at the early haul, as the signings roll in.
Notable Signees Across the State
OL Tyler Chukuyem (Douglasville, Ga.) - 6-6, 290 lbs, 3-star
Chukuyem brings ideal size and length for a tackle prospect. At 6-foot-6, he’s got the frame to anchor the edge and the athleticism to develop into a reliable pass protector. He’s raw, but the tools are there.
TE Heze Kent (Brunswick, Ga.) - 6-6, 305 lbs, 4-star
Yes, you read that right-305 pounds at tight end. Kent is a rare physical specimen who can be a sixth offensive lineman in the run game but still has the hands and movement skills to be a threat in the passing game. He’s a matchup nightmare waiting to happen.
ILB Malik Morris (Lakeland, Fla.) - 6-0, 250 lbs, 3-star
Morris plays with a downhill mentality and brings a physical edge to the middle of the defense. He’s built like a classic thumper and should thrive in early-down packages while he develops in coverage.
WR Justin Williams (Gainesville Buchholz) - 5-11, 187 lbs, 4-star
Williams is a polished route-runner with the kind of suddenness that makes defensive backs uncomfortable. He’s not the biggest receiver in the class, but he’s explosive in space and has a knack for finding soft spots in coverage.
OL Luke Francis (London, United Kingdom) - 6-5, 325 lbs, 3-star
Francis is part of the growing international pipeline, and his size jumps off the page. The technique may still be catching up, but the physical tools are undeniable. A developmental lineman with serious upside.
OL Nikau Hepi (New Zealand) - 6-7, 370 lbs, 3-star
Another international monster on the offensive line. Hepi is a mountain of a man at 6-foot-7 and 370 pounds. He’ll need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the college game, but the sheer size and strength are impossible to ignore.
OL Mike Ionata (Calvary Christian) - 6-6, 300 lbs, 3-star
Ionata is a steady, technically sound lineman who plays with good leverage and footwork. He’s not flashy, but he’s the kind of player who can quietly anchor a line for years.
DB Chuck Kennon (Sarasota Booker) - 6-1, 175 lbs, 4-star
Kennon is a long, athletic defensive back with ball skills and range. He’s the type of player who can play multiple spots in the secondary and gives a defense flexibility in coverage.
TE Xavier Tiller (Atlanta, Ga.) - 6-5, 226 lbs, 4-star
Tiller is a more traditional tight end prospect-tall, athletic, and fluid in the passing game. He’s a red-zone weapon with the potential to stretch the seam and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
DB Jaelen Waters (Armwood) - 6-1, 180 lbs, 5-star
Waters is the crown jewel of the class so far. A true five-star defensive back, he brings elite speed, instincts, and physicality to the secondary. He’s the kind of player who can step in and compete for playing time right away.
RB Jayson Franklin (Fayetteville, N.C.) - 5-11, 210 lbs, 3-star
Franklin is a compact, physical back who runs with purpose. He has good vision and finishes runs with authority. While he may not have elite top-end speed, he’s a reliable option in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
K Gaston Gramatica (Cambridge Christian) - 5-10, 183 lbs, 3-star
Yes, that Gramatica family. Gaston follows in the footsteps of one of the most well-known kicking families in football. He’s accurate, consistent, and has a strong enough leg to compete for kicking duties early in his career.
OL Jordan Harrison (Clinton, Md.) - 6-2, 296 lbs, 3-star
Harrison is a versatile lineman who projects best on the interior. He’s quick off the snap and plays with a mean streak-exactly what you want in a center or guard.
WR Gabe Legrand (Lake Wales) - 6-3, 194 lbs, 3-star
Legrand brings size and physicality to the receiver room. He’s a red-zone target with good body control and the ability to win contested catches. A strong possession receiver with upside.
What’s Next
This is just the beginning. The early signing period runs for three days, and more names will come off the board as paperwork gets finalized. For Florida’s top programs, this stretch is about locking in the foundation of their 2026 recruiting classes-and maybe landing a few surprises along the way.
We’ll be tracking each signature as it comes in, and there’s plenty more to analyze as the picture continues to take shape. But for now, it’s clear: Florida’s recruiting footprint remains as strong and diverse as ever, from local standouts to international imports, and everything in between.