Windermere speedster CJ Bronaugh’s gives Gators first top-100 commitment in ’26 class

GAINESVILLE — Windermere cornerback CJ Bronaugh’s commitment Wednesday gives Florida its first top-100 prospect of a 2026 class rising the rankings by the day.

UF moved to No. 13 in 247Sports team composite rankings with the commitment of Bronaugh, considered the nation’s No. 12 player at his position and No. 99 overall. He also holds the No. 9 spot in the Sentinel’s 2026 Central Florida Super60 football prospects.

Bronaugh originally committed to Nebraska last fall. But he flipped to UF on Wednesday even after recently visiting Florida State, one of more than two dozen schools pursuing the 6-foot-1, 166-pound speedster from Winter Garden.

Bronaugh compiled 30 tackles, three for loss, six interceptions, including three pick-sixes, and four pass breakups in eight games in 2024, according to MaxPreps.

Windermere High athlete Christopher "CJ" Bronaugh wins during the Windermere Friday Night Lights track and field meet March 28 at Windermere High School. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

But Bronaugh was unstoppable in 2025 as a sprinter, highlighted by a 10.24 time in the 100-meter dash at the Florida Relays — to rank No. 3 all-time in the Orlando area. His 10.34 to win the Class 4A state title might be the last time he displayed his speed away from the football field.

“It’s all about summer football workouts and my college visits,” Bronaugh told the Orlando Sentinel last week. “I’m going to put on some more muscle and keep my speed up. It definitely helps to be fast on the field.”

Few will be faster than Bronaugh, who won his final 13 100 races, including nine in 2025 with six of them 10.34 or faster. He also had four 200 victories in four tries, including an area-best 20.87 in the 200 for a third school record.

Bronaugh is the 13th commitment, and ninth in two weeks, for the Gators and coach Billy Napier.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com