Cayden Daughtry, a five-star point guard who tops the 2027 recruiting rankings, stepped onto the University of Florida campus this week for an official visit that has generated considerable buzz among college basketball circles.
During the summer, Daughtry dazzled on the national stage, averaging 32.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game while shooting 58.6 percent from the field and 48.8 percent from three-point range. His standout performances included a 36-point effort at The Throne, a gold medal with USA Basketball at the FIBA U17 World Cup, and a championship run with the Florida Rebels in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, where he was named league MVP.
A Recruiting Turning Point for the Gators
Florida offered Daughtry on June 5, and since then the Gators have been one of just 14 programs on his shortened list, which also includes Arkansas and Florida State. While his elite handle, deep shooting and advanced playmaking have drawn praise from analysts such as Adam Finkelstein of 247Sports, coaches remain cautious about his size as a potential hurdle at the next level.
Head coach Todd Golden, who has built his roster largely through the transfer portal, sees Daughtry as a rare opportunity to secure a home‑grown talent who could anchor the backcourt for years to come. The visit, scheduled for September 25‑27, will include meetings with Golden’s staff and a chance for Daughtry to experience the campus environment firsthand.
If the recruitment unfolds as hoped, Daughtry’s commitment would represent a marquee win for Florida’s program and could shift the momentum of the Gators’ recruiting narrative heading into the next cycle.