Notable top recruiting target for Florida Football to be in attendance Saturday

As the clock ticks down to the Florida Gators' 2024 football season kickoff against the Miami Hurricanes on August 31, the excitement is building not just among fans, but also among some of the nation's top high school athletes. This marquee matchup is proving to be a unique opportunity for Florida to showcase its program to recruits across multiple sports, highlighting the university's commitment to excellence both on the field and on the court.

On the football front, the Gators are set to host Johnnie Jones, a four-star offensive tackle from Tampa's Berkeley Prep. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, Jones is ranked as the No. 136 overall prospect and the No. 111 offensive tackle in the nation, according to the 247Sports composite. This visit will mark Jones' fourth trip to Gainesville, but his first since receiving a scholarship offer from Florida in the spring.

Jones' interest in the Gators is palpable. He's cited Florida as "one of the schools I like based off the skill and development of players," and has been particularly impressed with the offensive line coaching staff. The blue-chip prospect has already forged strong relationships with several Florida coaches, including co-offensive line coach John Decoster and quality control coach Kaleb Johnson, with whom he communicates on an almost daily basis.

The Gators currently hold a slight edge in Jones' recruitment, with On3's Recruiting Prediction Machine giving Florida a 34.4% chance of landing the talented lineman, just ahead of Georgia at 30.1%. This visit could prove crucial in solidifying Florida's position as the frontrunner for Jones' commitment.

But it's not just football prospects who will be in attendance for this game. In a testament to the cross-sport appeal of Florida's athletic program, two of the Gators' top 2025 basketball commits will also be on campus for the game.

Alex Lloyd, a four-star combo guard from Fort Lauderdale's Westminster Academy, and CJ Ingram, a four-star small forward from Orlando's Oak Ridge High School, are both set to make unofficial visits to Gainesville for the Miami game.

Lloyd, ranked as the No. 40 overall prospect in the 2025 class by 247Sports, has been one of the biggest stock risers in his recruiting cycle. The 6-foot-3 guard has climbed nearly 40 spots in the national rankings since the end of 2023, thanks to his high-octane scoring ability and heady ball distribution. Lloyd's commitment to Florida was largely influenced by head coach Todd Golden's up-tempo, guard-friendly system, which the young prospect believes fits his playing style perfectly.

Ingram, the son of former Florida tight end Cornelius Ingram, is another top-75 prospect in the 2025 class. Ranked No. 75 overall and No. 11 among small forwards by 247Sports, Ingram committed to Florida on August 12, giving the Gators a second elite recruit in their 2025 basketball class. The 6-foot-6, 195-pound wing has shown remarkable versatility on the court, averaging 24 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.7 steals per game during his junior season.

With Lloyd and Ingram in the fold, Florida's 2025 basketball recruiting class currently ranks No. 9 nationally. This marks the highest overall national ranking for a Gators basketball recruiting class since Todd Golden took over the program in 2022. While Golden has primarily relied on the transfer portal to build his roster thus far, the success of the 2025 class suggests a shift towards a more traditional recruiting approach that could pay dividends for the program's long-term stability.

The presence of these basketball commits at a football game speaks volumes about the holistic approach Florida is taking to athletics. It allows the basketball recruits to experience the electric atmosphere of a high-profile SEC football game, potentially strengthening their commitment to the university and giving them a taste of the passion and support they can expect from Gator Nation.