Ahead of their much anticipated return to the court, the Gators received some notable news yesterday.
Five-star power forward Caleb Gaskins has scheduled an official visit to Florida beginning on October 18th, according to 247Sports' Dushawn London. In addition to the Gators, Gaskins scheduled visits to Miami (September 12th), Texas (September 20th), Texas A&M (October 11th), and Ole Miss (November 8th), Dushawn reports. Gaskins also plans to visit Florida State, but has yet to finalize a specific date.
As one of the most coveted players in the 2026 recruiting class, Gaskins has no shortage of options. In addition to offers from those noted above, he also holds offers from programs like Alabama, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, and Mississippi State.
Considered the thirteenth highest-rated player in his class, according to the 247Sports' Composite, the 6-8 senior is starting to trim his list down.
A forecast on the recruitment
After extending an offer in mid-July, the Gators immediately surged in Gaskins' recruitment, according to multiple sources. The appeal of playing for the defending national champions is likely a factor heavily influencing the Gators' positioning, and Todd Golden and his staff know it.
Most industry sources agree that the Gators are one of the leaders in his recruitment, and may have even jumped into the driver's seat.
Another factor to consider is proximity, as Gainesville ranks second in that regard, only behind former Gator Jai Lucas and his Miami staff.
That's probably why the most talked-about team in Gaskins' recruitment has been the Miami Hurricanes, which have been one of the teams recruiting him the hardest.
In fact, before the Gators invited an offer to Gaskins, the Hurricanes were widely considered the most likely landing spot for his services.
It's certainly looking like this recruitment is shaping up to be a battle between two fierce in-state rivals.
The Hurricanes and Gators will meet on November 16th in Jacksonville later this year. That matchup may have more meaning than simply on the scoresheet, as the victor could gain a valuable edge for the five right before the early signing deadline.