Recruiting Landscape in the Sunshine State
USA TODAY Florida Recruiting reporters Nick Wilson and Jon Santucci recently assessed how each Florida FBS program fared in their home territory after the July 4 deadline, assigning grades that reflect both the quality of the incoming class and the buzz surrounding each coaching staff.
Miami emerged with an A‑, a rating that hinges on a haul that includes the state’s top wide receiver, offensive lineman and tight end, as well as several high‑profile out‑of‑state commits, giving the Hurricanes a clear edge in the rankings.
Florida matched that success with an A, buoyed by an impressive in‑state recruiting surge and the visible energy of a newly assembled coaching staff, a factor that the reporters said added momentum to the Gators’ outlook.
In contrast, Florida State received a C‑, a grade that reflects a shortage of elite in‑state talent and the pressure on head coach Mike Norvell, whose seat has grown hotter as the season approaches.
USF earned a B+, highlighted by a solid class and the positive trajectory under recruiting coordinator Brian Hartline, a momentum that the analysts noted aligns with the program’s rising Top 100 presence.
UCF’s grade climbed to a C+ after the Knights corrected course within Florida, expanding from zero in‑state commitments in April to eleven by the current cycle, though analysts say there remains room for growth.
FIU was given a C for emphasizing under‑looked talent in its backyard, while FAU slipped to a D, a reflection of what the reporters described as a lack of a clear long‑term plan and limited administrative support.