Virtually every Florida high school had its Kickoff Classic on Friday, allowing Gator fans to get a first glimpse of several prospects and targets for the 2026 high school season. 2027 QB commit Davin Davidson did not have a great debut, as we chronicled yesterday.
But the QB the Gators have been most linked to for their class of 2028 had a much better night and showed why Jon Sumrall has been pushing so hard for him.
Hudson West shows why Florida made him a priority
Florida has been heavily linked to class of 2028 QB Hudson West, as multiple sites have logged predictions that he will eventually commit to the Gators. West got his first live action of the 2026 fall Friday in Sarasota's Kickoff Classic against Hillsborough. Sarasota won 38-24.
West posted his film from the game online and noted that he threw for over 300 yards while accumulating three passing touchdowns and one more rushing touchdown.
When you dive into the film he posted, there is a lot to like, and it’s the type of film that could certainly catch the eye of some more Power Four schools. What stands out in his film is that he faced constant pressure and took several hits, but he never seemed fazed or rattled.
The first clip he posted shows him sliding in the pocket to his left, stepping up in a crowded pocket, and delivering a 45-yard strike downfield while taking a hit as he released the ball. He has several more similar clips, and while he can scramble, it isn’t his first instinct or automatic choice when he's under pressure.
Great team win. 3 passing touchdowns 1 rushing touchdown. 300+ yards passing.https://t.co/0ujdRORtPx
— Hudson West (@HudsonWest10) August 16, 2026
Florida may once again be ahead of the rankings
Hudson West — 2028 QB
School: Sarasota High
Size: 6-foot-4½, 185 pounds
247Sports rating: 89, No. 23 QB
2025: 2,836 passing yards, 26 TD, 5 INT
Kickoff Classic: 300+ passing yards, 3 passing TD, 1 rushing TD
Florida offer: After Friday Night Lights in June
Recruiting outlook: Florida currently favored by 247Sports Crystal Ball and Rivals RPM
West is currently considered a three-star prospect. 247 has him as a bit higher of a three-star, while Rivals has him as a low-tier three-star. ESPN doesn’t have him ranked yet. He popped onto the radar for Gator fans after he attended Florida’s Friday Night Lights event in June, where he received an offer that weekend. We said at the time, based on this sophomore season, that:
“On film, he uses his 6’5” frame well, and he stays tall in the pocket. He has a quick release, but it’s one that seldom feels panicked or rushed. He also isn’t someone who locks in and automatically goes with his first read, which is a great sign for a class of 2028 prospect.”
West currently has offers from Florida, FSU, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, and Syracuse, among others.
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