Florida Gators Land 4-Star LB Ty Jackson in Stunning Flip from USC
It’s official: the Florida Gators are on fire, both on the field and on the recruiting trail. In a move that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Florida flipped four-star linebacker Ty Jackson from USC on Monday morning. Jackson, who had been committed to the Trojans since September 8, is the nation’s top inside linebacker prospect and ranked No. 54 in the 2025 ESPN 300. This is a massive win for the Gators as they continue to build momentum heading into the early signing period.
Jackson’s decision to decommit from USC and pledge to Florida is part of a troubling trend for Lincoln Riley’s Trojans. He’s now the eighth ESPN 300 prospect to back out of a commitment to USC in the 2025 cycle. That list includes some serious talent, like five-star quarterback Julian Lewis and top-100 defenders Justus Terry, Isaiah Gibson, Anquon Fegans, and Hylton Stubbs. For Florida, however, this is nothing short of a recruiting coup.
Jackson’s Flip Caps a Big Weekend for Florida
Jackson’s commitment came just two days after he visited Gainesville to watch the Gators pull off a thrilling 24-17 upset over No. 9 Ole Miss. The win not only secured bowl eligibility for Florida under third-year head coach Billy Napier, but it also seemed to seal the deal for Jackson. The linebacker from Loxahatchee, Florida, becomes the second-ranked member of Florida’s 2025 recruiting class, trailing only four-star wide receiver Vernell Brown, who sits at No. 44 in the ESPN 300.
Jackson joins an already impressive group of recruits for the Gators. Four-star defensive end Jalen Wiggins, ranked No. 68 in the ESPN 300, is another top-100 prospect set to sign with Florida when the early signing period opens on December 4. With Jackson’s addition, Florida’s 2025 class is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
Florida’s Recruiting Momentum is Unstoppable
Before Jackson’s commitment, Florida’s 2025 recruiting class was ranked No. 27 in ESPN’s latest class rankings. But the Gators have been on a tear ever since the school announced earlier this month that it would stick with Napier beyond the 2024 season. That vote of confidence seems to have energized the program, both on the field and in recruiting.
Here’s a quick look at Florida’s recent recruiting wins:
- November 17: Former Florida State quarterback Tramell Jones commits to Florida.
- Last week: Four-star defensive tackle Stephon Shivers, a former Georgia pledge, and three-star offensive lineman Daniel Pierre Louis, a Florida State flip, both join the Gators.
- November 20: Ty Jackson flips from USC to Florida, becoming the latest high-profile addition to the 2025 class.
And the Gators aren’t done yet. They’re still in the hunt for several big-name recruits, including five-star Ohio State cornerback commit Na’eem Offord (No. 4 in the ESPN 300) and four-star Texas wide receiver pledge Jaime Ffrench (No. 25). If Florida can land even one of these targets, it would further solidify their status as a recruiting powerhouse.
What’s Next for the Gators?
Florida’s back-to-back wins over ranked opponents LSU and Ole Miss have given the team a much-needed boost heading into the final stretch of the season. Next up, the Gators will travel to Tallahassee to face in-state rival Florida State in Week 14. The game is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2, and you can bet all eyes will be on Napier’s squad as they look to close out the regular season on a high note.
For now, though, Florida fans can celebrate a major recruiting victory. Ty Jackson’s commitment is a testament to the program’s upward trajectory under Napier, and it’s clear that the Gators are building something special in Gainesville. With the early signing period just around the corner, the excitement is only going to grow.
Stay tuned, Gator Nation—this is just the beginning.
Originally Written by: Tom VanHaaren
