Jon Sumrall is gaining momentum with elite in-state recruit and take them from a bitter rival

Florida Gators HC Jon Sumrall has been incredibly active in recruiting for the 2027 class.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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New Gator head football coach Jon Sumrall fires up the crowd during the first half an NCAA basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Auburn won 76-67
Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun

Now that the transfer portal is closed, the Florida Gators have shifted their focus toward recruiting the high school ranks.

New head coach Jon Sumrall has been active in both bringing players to campus and visiting them at home. Despite only being on the job for two months, he’s made serious waves, including his first commitment in four-star cornerback Amare Nugent.

Florida Gators gaining momentum with top Miami Hurricanes target

As everyone who coaches for the Gators knows, Sumrall understands how important recruiting the state of Florida is. They are putting pressure on multiple in-state recruits, and it’s making a serious impact.

Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong reported the Gators are gaining some serious momentum with four-star safety Zayden Gamble, who just named his top-10 earlier in the week.

Gamble may have narrowed it down to just 10, but the Miami Hurricanes have the inside track. They are currently at 93.5% on the Rivals’ Recruiting Prediction Machine. The Gators are only at 2.3%, but they are working hard to improve that standing.

“Gamble’s January visit to Gainesville proved to be a turning point,” wrote Wiltfong. “Spending extended time with the new Gators staff reshaped his perception of the program, and Florida has carried that momentum forward. Communication has ramped up, the staff has made Gamble feel like a true priority, and the Gators have quickly established themselves as a serious threat in what is shaping up to be an in-state battle.”

Communication has been a big thing for the Gators with their recruits since Sumrall took over. They have done a great job consistently in those areas, which is going to continue doing well with recruits. If they end up landing Gamble, it will be due to this key element.

“They are treating me as a priority,” Gamble told Wiltfong. “I visited once with the old staff, then with the new staff in January. It was an amazing visit and meeting the coaching staff. It was different — the energy was amazing and it was just a great place. Coach Sumrall has made a great impression and I like Coach Collins a lot. We have had some great conversations.”

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