With first-year head coach Jon Sumrall at the helm, the Florida Gators have hit the recruiting trail running. They've already landed 22 commitments in the 2027 cycle, ranking fifth in the nation and third in the SEC.
However, there are several highly-rated players the Gators have initially missed out on. That includes defensive lineman Jalen Brewster out of Cedar Hill, Texas. He committed to the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Oct. 4.
Sumrall and his staff aren't ready to give up. In fact, Florida hosted Brewster for an official visit on Thursday. It's the third time he's made it to Gainesville for a visit.
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The Gators continue to chip away at a potential flip. According to Rivals' national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman, their efforts are beginning to pay off.
"From speaking with various sources knowledgeable on Brewster’s recruitment, two programs that have improved their standing with the five-star DL are Florida and LSU," Spiegelman wrote. "The Gators hosted Brewster and his camp for the third time this offseason, and from all accounts, knocked it out of the park again on the visit."
It's no surprise that Florida is showing so much interest. At 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, he is a five-star recruit and the No. 1 player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings.
However, a strong coaching staff or advanced facilities may not be the only factor in the pass rusher's recruitment. On3's Pete Nakos previously reported that Brewster is expected to make $1 million in his first year with the Red Raiders.
Florida's ability to match that number may play a big part in its ability to be a serious contender. The Gators also aren't the only ones trying for a flip. Brewster has also taken official visits with the Indiana Hoosiers (April 25), SMU Mustangs (May 1), LSU Tigers (May 29) and Texas Longhorns (June 5).
