GAINESVILLE — Florida’s consecutive upset wins have led to a much-needed recruiting surge for Billy Napier’s program as National Signing Day on Dec. 4 looms.
Much of the Gators’ success has come at the expense of rival Florida State, UF’s opponent Saturday night at Doak Campbell Stadium.
The Gators flipped their third commitment from the Seminoles when 4-star running back Byron Louis of American Heritage in Plantation switched his pledge Tuesday, three days after he attended Florida’s 24-17 win against No. 9 Ole Miss in the Swamp.
Louis joins 4-star Jacksonville Mandarin quarterback Tramell Jones and 3-star offensive guard Daniel Pierre Louis of Loxahatchee’s Seminole Ridge, who each changed his commitment from FSU to UF following a Nov. 16 home win against No. 22 LSU.
Since the Ole Miss upset, the Gators also flipped the commitments of 4-star linebacker Ty Jackson (USC) also of Seminole Ridge, 3-star offensive tackle Jahari Medlock (Cincinnati) of Riverdale, Ga., and 3-star wide receiver Muizz Tounkara (Arizona) of League City, Texas.
Since the LSU win, Florida’s 2025 class has risen from No. 45 to 17 in 247Sports team rankings and features 19 commits.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Louis is rated the nation’s No. 17 running back prospect and the No. 231 player overall, per 247Sports composite rankings. He has more than 2,500 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns the past two seasons.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Jackson is the nation’s No. 13 linebacker prospect, and No. 124 overall, after recording more than 80 tackles each of the past two seasons, according to MaxPreps. The 6-foot-3 ½, 195-pound Tounkara, who rates as the nation’s No. 125 wide receiver, has 30 catches for 455 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2024.
247Sports composite ranks Medlock the nation’s No. 56 offensive tackle and No. 743 overall prospect.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
Up next …
Florida at Florida State
When: 7, Nov. 30, Doak Campbell Stadium
TV: ESPN2
