Florida football’s recruiting momentum for the 2027 class is apparent as the program has landed multiple four-star recruits in recent weeks. In the latest turn, Key West (Florida) defensive lineman Josh Johnson has narrowed his recruitment to two in-state schools.
The 6-foot-5-inch, 270-pound Florida native is now deciding between the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida Gators. Johnson played both sides of the ball at Key West High, where he also participated in track and field. A three-star recruit, Johnson sits just outside the top tier of national prospects, but his stature and athletic upside as a developmental player would be a win for the Gators staff.
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The interstate battle for Johnson underlines Florida’s long-term recruiting trajectory. For the Gators, the stakes of this class go beyond one commitment. Securing Johnson would be a testament to the program’s resurgent ability to control the recruiting borders of the state. Out-dueling a team with the recent success of Miami suggests Florida’s prowess in the talent market is growing stronger.
The Hurricanes hold the edge in 247Sports’s crystal ball projections, but the Gators remain squarely in the mix.
Josh Johnson recruiting summary
Johnson is ranked 841 overall and No. 92 at his position nationally according to 247Sports composite, while the On3 industry ranking has him at No. 820. He has received 21 offers, including four other in-state programs: FIU, Florida Atlantic, UCF and Miami.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida battling Miami for top-100 in-state DL recruit Josh Johnson
