Rising star CJ Cypher spurned Florida, choosing Miami over the Gators. Coach Jon Sumrall now shifts focus toward securing elite arms for 2027 and beyond.
After an incredible run on the 2027 recruiting trail this summer, the Florida Gators and head coach Jon Sumrall will now look to carry their recent success into future recruiting classes.
With the Gators landing a total of 24 commits thus far in the upcoming recruiting cycle, it’s clear that the former Tulane Green Waves’ head coach would eventually begin to prepare for the future of the program. However, Sumrall received some unfortunate news this week regarding one of the top quarterbacks in the 2029 recruiting cycle.
According to Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett on Wednesday evening, 2029 quarterback CJ Cypher has committed to the Miami Hurricanes in favor of multiple powerhouse programs, including the Gators.
Florida’s Future At The QB Position
Cypher, despite being a rising sophomore, caught the attention of many Power Four programs after a strong freshman campaign at Carrollton High School in Georgia. During his first season at the high school level, the up-and-coming playmaker threw for 2,178 yards, 26 touchdowns, and three interceptions, while also completing roughly 72 percent of his pass attempts in 2025.
Unfortunately for Sumrall and the Gators, the late arrival of the program’s newest head coach could have hampered Florida’s chances of landing Cypher for the 2029 recruiting class. With the departure of former head coach Billy Napier midway through the 2025 college football season, the program’s recruitment process went silent, giving schools like the Hurricanes and the Florida State Seminoles a head start on the Georgia native.
Still, there is hope for Florida regarding the future of the quarterback position.
Sumrall, following his arrival to Gainesville back in January, was able to quickly build up his 2027 class with a huge commitment from four-star quarterback Davin Davidson. The 6-foot-6, 215 lbs. gunslinger out of the state of Florida is coming off an impressive junior season at Cardinal Mooney High School, as he threw for 2,360 yards and 23 touchdowns. Davidson also competed in the 2026 Elite 11 Finals this summer, giving him the opportunity to display his skill set on the national level.
Outside of Davidson, Sumrall and his coaching staff are making a strong push for 2028 four-star quarterback Kingston Preyear, who is the No. 3 prospect in the state of Alabama and the No. 4 quarterback in the 2028 class, per 247Sports’ Composite.
If Florida is able to surpass schools like the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for Preyear, the Gators’ quarterback room could be set for the foreseeable future.
