The Florida Gators’ 2026 recruiting class took a hit on Thursday when Orlando (Fla.) First Academy safety Devin Jackson announced he is re-opening his recruitment.
Jackson had long held Florida as his top choice, frequently visiting Gainesville throughout the 2023 season before committing last summer.
“I liked that it was close to home—it made visiting easy,” Jackson previously told Swamp247 about what drew him to UF. “The facilities were great, the fan base was passionate and electric, and the coaches made me feel like I belonged there.”
Multiple Florida assistants were involved in Jackson’s recruitment from the start. Former defensive backs coach Corey Raymond was the first to offer him, and after Raymond’s departure, Will Harris took over and kept the relationship strong leading up to Jackson’s commitment. Jackson is currently ranked No. 355 overall in the 2026 class according to 247Sports Composite Rankings.
However, Harris left for Miami after the 2024 season, prompting Florida to bring in Vinnie Sunseri as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach, along with Deron Wilson to assist with the defensive backs.
Jackson returned to Gainesville for the start of spring camp, where he met Sunseri and the new staff for the first time. He spoke highly of Sunseri afterward.
“It was great to get to know him—his personality, coaching style, and how he leads his players on and off the field,” Jackson told Swamp247. “He’s got a ton of energy and passion. That’s the kind of coach I want to be around. I love football, and so does he. He learned from Nick Saban, and I know I can grow under someone like that.”
Jackson also watched a spring practice and came away even more convinced about Florida.
“There were things I learned just by watching him coach—stuff I can add to my game,” Jackson said. “You can see the passion he has for his players and the sport. That’s where I want to be.”
Still, other top programs like Miami, LSU, Texas A&M, and Oregon never stopped pursuing him.
Jackson currently has an official visit to Florida scheduled for June 13, followed by a trip to LSU the next weekend.
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