UCLA’s 2026 recruiting class is starting to take shape - and it begins in the paint.
The Bruins have secured a commitment from Javonte Floyd, a 6-foot-9, 220-pound post player out of Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Georgia. Floyd, a three-star prospect and the 190th-ranked player nationally in the 2026 class, made his pledge during an official visit to Westwood back in November. He chose UCLA over offers from Tennessee and Kennesaw State.
Now, let’s talk about what the Bruins are getting in Floyd - and why he’s a name to remember even if he’s not yet a household one.
Floyd brings a tantalizing blend of size, athleticism, and long-term upside. At this stage, he’s still raw in terms of polish and skill refinement, but the physical tools are hard to ignore. He’s got a strong frame that already looks college-ready, and he moves well for a big man, showing flashes of the kind of mobility that can translate at the next level.
Recruiting analysts have pointed out that Floyd’s profile is the kind you often see end up in the SEC - a big-bodied, athletic forward who, with the right development, can become a real problem for opposing frontcourts. For UCLA, landing a player like that early in the 2026 cycle is a strong statement. It’s a sign that the Bruins are not only identifying talent early but also securing it before other major programs can get a foot in the door.
The key now will be development. Floyd’s ceiling is high, but he’ll need time to refine his footwork, expand his offensive game, and become more consistent with his fundamentals. That said, the foundation is there - and it’s solid.
In today’s college basketball landscape, where versatility and athleticism are at a premium, a player like Floyd fits the mold of what successful programs are building around. For UCLA, he’s a long-term investment with the potential to pay off in a big way.