Florida Football 2028 Recruiting Tracker: Samuel Bailey Picks Gators
Following in the footsteps of the class of 2027, Florida football is in search for the next generation of Gators.
June 15 marked the beginning of the contact period with the 2028 class, and Florida coach Jon Sumrall is already making moves.
With more visits and commitment decisions to come, Florida has three commitments, including two blue-chips, to start off the cycle strong.
Below is a running list of the players who have committed to Florida’s 2028 recruiting class. This story will be updated throughout the recruiting cycle.
Sept. 28: Samuel Bailey, 4-star IOL, Mae Jemison (Huntsville, Alabama)
6-foot-5.5, 290 pounds
Offensive line coach Phil Trautwein secured Rivals’ No. 23 recruit in the country in four-star interior offensive lineman Samuel Bailey on Monday. The Alabama native had 30 offers, including Florida’s on March 26.
“Jon Sumrall coming for the whole SEC, actually, the whole country,” he told Swamp247 after Florida’s upset win over Ole Miss Saturday.
Bailey visited Gainesville for the first time since the Gators’ recruiting events in June.
“Sumrall era! The world ain’t ready!” he posted on X Saturday.
Choosing Florida over Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State and others, Bailey joins 2027 commits Maxwell Hiller, Peyton Miller and Elijah Hutcheson on the offensive line.
Sept. 26: Cyion Smith, 3-star S, Blountstown (Blountstown, Florida)
6-foot-3, 160 pounds
Just before Florida beat No. 4 Ole Miss 52-28 in The Swamp on Saturday, three-star safety Cyion Smith chose to wear orange and blue in two years.
He originally committed to Mississippi State in October 2025 before backing out in May. The Gators offered eight days later, and Smith ended his recruitment journey with 24 offers.
He boasted 114 tackles, five tackles for loss, 22 pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and 11 interceptions between the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
To start his junior season, Smith has recorded 24 tackles, four for loss, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a blocked kick. He also recorded his first career sack in Blountstown’s 42-0 win over Port St. Joe on Friday.
Smith continues to play in multiple cylinders of the game, catching seven passes for 201 yards and three scores this season.
June 29: Armani Strong, 4-star WR, Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Florida)
6-foot-1, 180 pounds
The Gators secured their first commit in the 2028 class: four-star wide receiver Armani Strong. Staying in his home state, Strong chose the Gators over Notre Dame, Miami and Florida State.
“No zone safe, no corner safe,” Strong told Hayes Fawcett with Rivals. “The Swamp just got more explosive.”
He joins three 2027 commits at his position: Elias Pearl, Tramond Collins and Anthony Jennings. 247Sports Composite Player Rankings lists Strong as the 34th wide receiver in the 2028 class, with 28 offers.
After receiving his offer on May 20, Strong attended Florida’s annual Friday Night Lights camp on June 19 and the Grill in the Ville recruiting cookout the next day before committing Sunday.
Strong recorded 39 passes for 532 yards and six touchdowns in 2025 at Miami Norland Senior High School, per Gators Wire, before transferring to Chaminade-Madonna Prep for his junior year.
Category: Gators Football
