GATORS ON FLIP WATCH: Florida Circles Michigan’s Coveted Four-Star WR Commit Jaylen Carter as Rumors Intensify Around Potential SEC Switch, Fueling Recruiting Firestorm Ahead of July Deadline

GATORS ON FLIP WATCH: Florida Circles Michigan’s Coveted Four-Star WR Commit Jaylen Carter as Rumors Intensify Around Potential SEC Switch, Fueling Recruiting Firestorm Ahead of July Deadline

 

The Florida Gators are continuing to light up the recruiting trail, and now another potential major shake-up is brewing. Multiple sources have confirmed that four-star wide receiver Jaylen Carter—currently committed to the University of Michigan—is having second thoughts about his pledge to the Wolverines, and the Florida Gators are watching closely.

 

Rumors of a potential flip have begun to pick up significant steam over the past few days, with Florida’s coaching staff reportedly turning up the heat in their pursuit of Carter. While the Gators have already made a splash with recent elite commitments, flipping Carter would add even more firepower to one of the fastest-rising recruiting classes in the country.

 

Who is Jaylen Carter?

 

Jaylen Carter is no ordinary four-star recruit. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound wideout from Tampa Catholic (Florida) is ranked as the No. 17 wide receiver and the No. 102 overall player in the nation, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. Known for his strong hands, explosive burst off the line, and exceptional route-running, Carter has drawn comparisons to former Alabama standout Calvin Ridley.

 

Originally, Carter committed to Michigan back in March, citing a strong relationship with wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy and the Wolverines’ track record of developing NFL-caliber talent. But even then, there were whispers that Florida might not be out of the race just yet—especially with the Gators making a strong late push during his recruitment.

 

Now, with Florida showing renewed interest and Carter scheduled to visit Gainesville in early July, those whispers are turning into full-blown rumors.

 

Florida’s Renewed Interest

 

Sources close to the Florida staff say Carter has been a top target on their board for months—even after his Michigan commitment. With recent quarterback commit Malik Thompson already working to recruit elite offensive weapons to join him in Gainesville, the Gators have re-engaged with Carter’s camp in a major way.

 

Wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales is reportedly leading the charge, selling Carter on Florida’s offensive vision under Napier and the opportunity to become a day-one contributor in a wide-open receiver room. Thompson himself has also reached out to Carter directly, planting seeds for a potential future connection in Gainesville.

 

“It’s getting real,” said a prominent SEC recruiting analyst. “Jaylen Carter is from Florida. His family lives there. The Gators have momentum. If he visits in July, this thing could flip faster than people think.”

 

Michigan Trying to Hold On

 

Meanwhile, Michigan is aware of the threat. Head coach Sherrone Moore and his staff have reportedly increased contact with Carter over the last two weeks, hoping to solidify his commitment and fend off what is quickly becoming an aggressive push from the Gators.

 

“They’ve been doing everything right,” said a Michigan insider. “But Florida’s proximity, their new offensive energy, and the relationships Carter already has down there—it’s hard to ignore. This one’s going to be a battle.”

 

It’s worth noting that Carter has not yet decommitted from Michigan and remains listed as a firm verbal. However, in today’s recruiting world, a “firm” commitment can change in a matter of days—especially when top-tier SEC programs are involved.

 

The Bigger Picture

 

For Florida, landing Carter would be yet another headline-making move in what’s becoming one of the strongest recruiting classes of the Napier era. The Gators currently rank in the Top 5 nationally for the 2025 class, and a commitment flip from Michigan’s prized receiver would only push them higher.

 

It would also send a loud message across the country: the Gators are officially back in the mix for elite skill-position talent, and they’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with Big Ten powerhouses to get them.

 

From a roster standpoint, Carter’s potential arrival would add depth and explosive ability to a receiving corps in need of vertical threats. His speed and agility would pair perfectly with Malik Thompson’s strong arm, giving Florida a lethal downfield connection for years to come.

 

What Comes Next?

 

All eyes are now on Carter’s July visit to Gainesville, which is being billed as one of the most important weekends of the recruiting summer for the Gators. Should the visit go well, there’s a growing belief that Carter could either decommit from Michigan or at least re-open his recruitment before the fall.

 

Until then, the recruiting world will be watching closely.

 

Florida is rolling. Their pitch is strong. And Jaylen Carter—once viewed as locked up by Michigan—might just be the next big-name recruit to flip the script and head to The Swamp.