Earlier in the week it was reported that 4-star running back Carsyn Baker was going to be heading to Tallahassee to watch the FSU-Miami game tonight, but plans have changed.
Baker will instead be in Gainesville, rooting for his future teammates and hoping the embattled coach that recruited him can pull off a home win as an underdog.
I will be back at home today 🐊🐊🐊 pic.twitter.com/lyxwKwGnuq
— Carsyn Baker 'ALL Day' (@carsyn_baker) October 4, 2025
This is a big change of plans for the stability of Gators recruiting. FSU doesn't have a running back committed in its 2026 class and the Seminoles have the No. 2 rushing attack in the country, so it should be appealing to a top back in the region. But Baker is putting his trust in the belief that Florida is the right situation for him and maybe Napier can turn things around again like he did last year.
Relationships still matter in recruiting
Baker has been committed to the Gators since mid-June. He chose Florida over FSU, Michigan, South Carolina and others. He took official visits over the summer to Florida, South Carolina and FSU. When Baker committed, he spoke about his relationship with Napier and the coaching staff being the difference.
"The actual highlight of the visit was coach Billy Napier and how great of a person he is," Baker said to 247Sports at the time. "[The program] made a positive impression on my family. They have a great brotherhood with a great coaching staff, and a great culture."
Baker was one of three Gator commits expected to attend the FSU-Miami game. There's no word on whether the other two — 4-star athlete Justin Williams or composite 4-star safety Kaiden Hall are planning to reconsider their trip.
There will be a ton of recruits in the Swamp today, including top 2027 prospects like quarterback Elijah Haven, who at one time was believed to be a significant Florida lean. 247Sports also reports that the majority of the committed prospects in Florida's class will also be in attendance.