Florida’s recruiting momentum continues to build with the commitment of Hylton Stubbs, a highly-rated four-star safety from Mandarin High School in Jacksonville. Stubbs flipped his commitment from the Miami Hurricanes to the Gators, a significant win for Billy Napier’s program as they strengthen ties with one of the state’s top high school football pipelines.
Stubbs, ranked among the top safeties in the 2025 recruiting class, cited his visit to Gainesville as the turning point in his decision. “The main reason for this decision is my belief in the football program and the incredible opportunity to compete for a national championship,” Stubbs said.
This commitment pairs Stubbs with his Mandarin High School teammate and fellow four-star recruit, Tramell Jones, a quarterback who had already pledged to Florida. The tandem’s on-field chemistry at the high school level should carry over to Gainesville, adding further excitement to the Gators’ future defensive and offensive prospects.
With this recruiting coup, Florida not only strengthens its roster but also delivers a blow to an in-state rival in Miami, continuing to build momentum in what has become a fierce recruiting battle within the Sunshine State.
Hylton Stubbs, a four-star safety from Jacksonville’s Mandarin High School, has flipped his commitment from the Miami Hurricanes to the Florida Gators, marking a major recruiting victory for head coach Billy Napier. Stubbs, ranked among the top defensive backs in the 2025 class, joins his high school teammate and four-star quarterback Tramell Jones in Florida’s growing recruiting class.
Stubbs credited his decision to Napier’s leadership and the program’s trajectory under his guidance. “Coach Napier’s vision, leadership, and genuine approach stood out to me, and I’m confident he’s building something special in Gainesville,” Stubbs said. “I’m excited to play for a coach who prioritizes development both on and off the field. Go Gators.”
The duo of Stubbs and Jones not only boosts Florida’s roster but also demonstrates Napier’s ability to secure top-tier talent from within the state while outmaneuvering a key rival in Miami. Florida’s recent success and the coach’s emphasis on player development seem to be resonating with recruits, further solidifying the Gators’ position as a rising force in college football recruiting.
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Hylton Stubbs, a four-star safety from Jacksonville’s Mandarin High School, made headlines this week by decommitting from the Miami Hurricanes and committing to the Florida Gators. Stubbs had originally pledged to USC before flipping to Miami in July, but Florida’s consistent recruiting efforts ultimately won him over.
In an interview with ESPN, Stubbs explained that Florida’s long-standing recruitment of him played a key role in his decision. “I feel like something big is about to happen at Florida,” Stubbs said. “They’ve been recruiting me my whole life. Something big is coming and I don’t want to miss out.”
His commitment strengthens Florida’s recruiting class and continues the momentum the Gators are building under coach Billy Napier. By securing the top safety prospect and pairing him with four-star quarterback Tramell Jones—his high school teammate—Florida is positioning itself for a strong future. Stubbs’ belief in Florida’s program and his trust in Napier’s leadership highlights the growing excitement around the Gators as they continue to make strides in the recruiting landscape.
Hylton Stubbs, ranked as the No. 91 recruit in the 2025 ESPN 300 and the No. 8 safety nationally, has committed to the Florida Gators, adding another highly touted prospect to their recruiting class. Stubbs’ decision to join Florida comes after a consistent recruiting push from the Gators, who had been pursuing him for years. With his commitment, Florida has now secured six ESPN 300 recruits for the 2025 class, further strengthening their future roster.
Stubbs, who initially committed to USC and later flipped to Miami, expressed his belief in the direction of Florida’s program, citing the long-standing recruitment and the potential he sees in the team’s future. This addition continues to demonstrate coach Billy Napier’s success in attracting top-tier talent, positioning Florida as a rising powerhouse in college football recruiting.
