The reigning national champion Florida Gators have scheduled their first official visit of the 2026 recruiting cycle, and it's a recruit worthy of the honor. Four-star shooting guard/small forward Cole Cloer will be on campus Sept. 9 for what will be his first official visit.
The Greensboro, North Carolina native averaged 20.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game on 42 percent three-point shooting during his junior season at Caldwell Academy.
Listed at six-foot-seven, 185 pounds, Cloer is a top-35 recruit, according to Rivals and 247Sports. He sits at 61 in On3's rankings. Cloer has accumulated 23 offers and has taken unofficial visits at Alabama, Louisville, North Carolina (twice), Ohio State, and Tennessee.
What the film says on Florida Gators target Cole Cloer
Cloer's shooting ability is what stands out most. The sharpshooter had over 40 percent of his attempts from distance fall and was effective shooting off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot scenarios. He's a fluid mover with plenty of comfort shooting pull-ups and step-backs. Cloer's shooting touch maintains in the mid-range, where he knocked down more pull-up looks off the dribble and even found nylon with turnaround jumpers out of the post.
He is no stranger to flashy passes, slinging one-handed passes and dump offs after drawing in the defense. Still, Cloer has room to grow. His athleticism does not show as a slasher, often struggling to blow by defenders or get downhill and attack the rim. Instead, he relies on crafty ball handling and footwork to create space and finish in the mid-range. Cloer has a lethal spin move that he often goes to make room to get his jumper off or fire a pass.
For what Cloer may lack laterally, he makes up for vertically. Cloer is a big-time leaper, rising up for alley-oops and off-the dribble dunks frequently. He even broke out a 360 slam during his junior season. His vertical also shows up on the defensive end, skying up for blocks as an on-ball and help defender. Pair his shot-blocking tendencies with some active hands, and Cloer has the characteristics of a traditional 3-and-D wing with the upside of a true three-level scorer.
Cloer's recruitment will be a long-term project for the Gators, but if he can make a few more improvements to his already-impressive game, Cloer could be a cornerstone of Florida's 2026 class.