Impact Analysis: Not Exactly a Surprise, Waters Decommits

Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators

• In-depth look at 2026 On3 300 Jr. Day Visitors (Offense)
• In-depth look at 2026 On3 300 Jr. Day Visitors (Defense)
• Ranking Florida’s Five Transfer Portal Additions

IN HIS WORDS

Well, it isn’t exactly in his words because after tweeting two laughing emojis after Will Harris left Florida for Miami, Seffner (Fla.) Armwood four-star cornerback Jaelen Waters immediately deleted it. However, even though he was already on decommit watch, and has been for a while now, that tweet was simply a sign that the break-up was imminent.

RANKING REVIEW

It is going to be a hit recruiting ranking-wise because he was Florida’s highest-rated commit, and the highest-rated cornerback that the Gators were in good shape for. Even with that being the case, only one service (Rivals) ranked him in the Top 100.

DECOMMITMENT IMPACT

Actually, if it was going to happen eventually (and it was), it’s better that the split happen now so that UF can not only make a push for other cornerbacks this spring but do so without having an existing four-star commit at the position – which in theory, should make Florida a more attractive destination. While the safety board is loaded, that isn’t so much the case at cornerback. Now, UF has the spring evaluation period to build the board.

Current Targets:
Jamarrion Gordon
Brody Jennings (Michigan commit)
Chauncey Kennon

THE BOTTOM LINE

While Will Harris jumping ship to Miami might look like the catalyst here, the truth is this was inevitable. Waters, who has now decommited from both Florida State and Florida before the end of his junior year of high school, was looking around well before Harris made the move a couple of days ago. What is interesting here is that if the predictions (and personal feelings) hold true, will he be the first prospect in modern times to have committed to each of the Big Three instate? Also, let’s be honest, as a built-in advantage for coaching staffs, seeing how prospects handle the recruiting process can give them an early glimpse of what to expect in the Transfer Portal Era. Whether he ends up signing with Miami, or even ends up back at UF or FSU, high school prospects who jump around like this are almost certainly likely to be in and out of the Portal on the collegiate level.

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