Florida Loses Out on Four-Star Safety to In-State Rival

Florida head coach Billy Napier has been on his game in the recruiting prowl since the calendar turned to June, including an incredible last week that saw the Gators secure a number of blue-chip athletes. 

However, UF got dealt some difficult news on Monday, as four-star 2027 safety Jaylyn Jones committed to the Miami Hurricanes over Florida, first reported by Hayes Fawcett of On3. With this announcement, Jones becomes the third commit of the class for Mario Cristobal's team.

Jones' final three schools he was considering were Miami, Florida and Auburn, as he ultimately decided to stay in his home of south Florida with the Hurricanes. The Hollywood, Florida native and McArthur High School defensive back is the No. 9 player at his position, per 247Sports.

He had a very productive sophomore season at Davie, Florida's Western High School, recording 82 tackles, 14 pass breakups, three interceptions and three sacks, according to On3.

Jones was in Gainesville this past weekend at the Gators' final recruiting event before the start of this year's summer dead period. 

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier.

© Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Despite losing out on Jones, Napier and Florida have been very active in recruiting as of late and have a promising outlook on the future. UF got its first commitment of the 2027 recruiting class on Saturday with four-star athlete Tramond Collins.

In the near future, Florida ranks No. 14 in On3's 2026 Industry Rankings and hopes to add to its 13 total commits in that recruiting class before the end of the summer.

Jones will have the opportunity to watch the Hurricanes take on the Gators in Miami Gardens in week four this September, one year removed from UM's 41-17 rout of Florida in the opening game of the 2024 season.