Florida football’s recruitment efforts have been nothing short of dramatic as the early signing period approaches, culminating in a significant victory for Billy Napier’s team with the commitment flip of Ty Jackson, a standout linebacker from Seminole Ridge High School in Loxahatchee, Florida.
Ranked as a four-star prospect, Jackson’s decision marks a major win for the Gators, who had been fervently pursuing him since the summer.
Jackson’s recruitment journey started in Florida but took a significant turn after his inaugural college visit with the USC Trojans, where he committed soon after.
Despite the setback, the Florida coaching staff remain undeterred. Their persistence was rewarded when Jackson revisited Gainesville for the Gators’ victory over Ole Miss—an event that reignited his interest and eventually led to his commitment flip.
“It was a building thing,” Jackson told Swamp247. “They never let go, even after I committed to USC. They made Gainesville feel like home.”
Jackson admitted that he was already leaning back towards Florida before the Ole Miss game, but the Gators’ upset victory and strong finish to the season solidified his decision.
“It was during the visit,” Jackson said of when he decided to come to Florida. “Seeing the adversity that the team went through (during the season). It didn’t start off like everyone expected, but it finished on a good end.”
Jackson also noted that he still would’ve leaned towards the Gators even if they didn’t have the turnaround late in the season.
“I still feel like I would,” Jackson said. “Just because of the closeness to home. (The season turnaround), was surprising, but the thing that I liked was they stuck to it, stayed as a team.”
While Jackson is excited about his future as a Gator, he acknowledged the recent departure of co-defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, who played a pivotal role in his recruitment.
“Me and Armstrong talked about it,” Jackson said. “Great decision for him, and I wish him the best.”
Armstrong’s move to Houston as their new defensive coordinator was bittersweet for Jackson, but he remains optimistic about the defensive coaching staff, particularly with Ron Roberts still in place.
Recruiting Summary
Jackson is a four-star linebacker who ranked as the No. 114 overall prospect in the country and the No. 11 ranked linebacker in the 2025 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports composite.
The On3 industry ranking has Jackson at No. 133 in terms of national rankings and the 13th-best linebacker in the 2025 recruiting class. ESPN has Jackson as the No. 1 linebacker in the 2025 recruiting class.
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