Florida Gators football Add Second Pledge to 2027 Class
Florida continued building its 2027 recruiting class Tuesday by securing its first offensive commitment. Three-star tight end Jackson Ballinger of Centerburg, Ohio, announced his decision to join the Gators.
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound prospect becomes Florida’s second commit in the cycle, joining four-star defensive back Amare Nugent. Ballinger selected the Gators over programs such as Indiana Hoosiers football, Missouri Tigers football, Ole Miss Rebels football, and Auburn Tigers football.
His pledge comes roughly a month after a multi-day visit to Gainesville — his fourth trip to campus. Ballinger was initially recruited by former head coach Billy Napier and later re-offered after Napier took over at James Madison Dukes football. Ultimately, Florida’s new staff sealed the deal.
Ballinger is scheduled to return for an official visit from June 4–6. Following his most recent trip, he spoke highly of head coach Jon Sumrall and tight ends coach Evan McKissack, describing the experience as “fantastic” and praising the program’s culture. McKissack also conducted an in-home visit prior to Ballinger’s January stop in Gainesville.
Momentum Building in 2027
With two commitments secured, Florida’s 2027 class could soon expand further. The Gators are trending for several notable prospects, including four-star edge rusher Frederick Ards III (Orlando Jones), four-star defensive tackle Tyler Alexander (Palm Beach Central), and three-star defensive back Kamauri Whitfield (The First Academy), a former Tennessee pledge.
Florida also remains in strong contention for multiple high-profile recruits nationwide, such as four-star receivers Anthony Jennings (Fort Lauderdale Dillard) and Amare Patterson (Bluffton, S.C.), defensive linemen Josh Johnson (Key West) and Maleek Lee (Sarasota Booker), and five-star interior lineman Maxwell Hiller (Coatesville, Pa.), who lists the Gators among his top four.
While Sumrall has emphasized prioritizing in-state talent, landing Ballinger — and staying in the mix for out-of-state standouts — reflects his broader recruiting vision. In his introductory press conference, Sumrall highlighted Florida’s in-state advantage while also noting the program’s national brand and ability to attract elite prospects from across the country.
With Ballinger now on board, Florida’s 2027 foundation is officially underway.
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