GATOR HEIST IN THE MAKING: Florida Gators Launch Bold, High-Stakes Recruitment Offensive to Flip Five-Star Cornerback Jordan Ellis from Ohio State in Bid to Fortify Nation-Leading Secondary and Ignite SEC Title Aspirations
The Florida Gators are not done making noise on the 2025 recruiting trail. Just days after shaking the college football world by landing No. 1 overall recruit Malik Thompson, Billy Napier and his staff have turned their attention toward another game-changing move—one that could further solidify the Gators as the team to watch in the SEC for years to come.
According to multiple sources close to the recruitment, Florida is making an aggressive push to flip elite five-star cornerback Jordan Ellis from his verbal commitment to Ohio State. Ellis, currently ranked as the No. 2 cornerback and the No. 8 overall player in the nation by 247Sports, committed to the Buckeyes back in February. But with momentum now swinging Florida’s way on the recruiting front, the Gators are attempting what many are already calling a “heist in the making.”
The Gators’ Latest Bold Move
Jordan Ellis, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive back out of DeSoto High School in Texas, has long been praised for his elite ball skills, lightning-quick footwork, and instinctual coverage ability. He’s the kind of player who thrives in man-to-man situations and brings a physical edge to the perimeter—a prototype that fits perfectly into Florida’s emerging defensive scheme.
Insiders say Florida’s coaching staff, particularly co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond, has been in constant contact with Ellis since early June, even after his verbal commitment to Ohio State. Ellis is reportedly intrigued by the idea of joining what could soon become the top secondary in the country.
“Florida is coming hard,” one recruiting analyst said anonymously. “They’re pitching Ellis on becoming the final piece to an elite DB unit. And honestly, he’s listening.”
Why Florida Wants Him
The Gators already boast a stacked defensive back room with recent commits and rising stars like four-star cornerback Tyrone Bell, five-star safety Jamal Rivers, and junior standout Jayden Hill. But adding Ellis to that mix would take Florida’s secondary from dangerous to downright terrifying.
“Jordan Ellis is that one guy who can lock down half the field and let your front seven go to work,” said former NFL cornerback and analyst Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. “If Florida pulls this off, they’re building a ‘No Fly Zone’ in Gainesville.”
Sources say Coach Napier has made Ellis one of his top targets for the rest of the cycle, with an official visit to Gainesville expected to be scheduled for late July—just before the recruiting dead period ends. That visit could be the turning point.
The Ohio State Factor
Flipping a player from Ohio State is no small feat. The Buckeyes have long been considered DBU—Defensive Back University—and have sent more elite cornerbacks to the NFL than almost any program in the last two decades. Ohio State fans have been confident in Ellis’ commitment, with many believing it was locked in the moment he posted pictures wearing the scarlet and gray.
But sources close to Ellis suggest that while he respects Ohio State’s history and tradition, he’s “keeping his options open,” especially after seeing how quickly Florida’s recruiting class has risen.
“Ellis wants to be part of something special,” a source near his camp told Rivals. “Florida’s vision, the scheme, the culture they’re selling—it’s getting harder to ignore.”
The Bigger Picture for Florida
Florida’s 2025 recruiting class, which already ranks in the Top 3 nationally, could leap to No. 1 with the addition of Ellis. More importantly, it would send a statement to the rest of the SEC—and to Ohio State—that Florida is no longer playing catch-up. They’re on the attack.
Landing Ellis would also boost the Gators’ chances at a College Football Playoff run in the next two seasons. With elite quarterback Malik Thompson committed and a potentially shutdown secondary forming behind him, Florida’s roster is beginning to resemble the dominant teams of the Urban Meyer era.
What Happens Next?
Florida will need to make the most of Ellis’ visit. Building personal connections, showing off Gainesville’s facilities, and selling the immediate playing opportunity will all be key. NIL discussions, while reportedly not central to Ellis’ decision, may also play a role in closing the deal.
Ohio State, meanwhile, is not going to let him go easily. Expect a strong counter-recruitment campaign from Ryan Day and his staff in the coming weeks.
But for now, the buzz is real.
The Florida Gators have staged a comeback in the recruiting world. They’re flipping narratives. They’re flipping the nation’s top players. And if they succeed in flipping Jordan Ellis, they won’t just be building
a contender—they’ll be building a dynasty.
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