The Florida Gators have emerged as a strong contender in the recruitment of four-star running back Jae Lamar, a standout from Moultrie, Georgia. Lamar, ranked as the No. 7 running back and a top 100 player nationally in the 2026 class, recently included Florida among his top 10 schools, signaling the Gators’ competitive position in his recruitment .([SI][1])
Lamar’s impressive junior season saw him average 7.9 yards per carry, amassing 885 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. His explosive playmaking ability has garnered attention from several elite programs, including Georgia, Ohio State, Auburn, Miami, Florida State, North Carolina, Clemson, Tennessee, and Alabama. While he has yet to schedule an official visit to Florida, he has planned trips to Auburn, Miami, Florida State, and Georgia in the coming months .([Yardbarker][2])
The Gators’ running back depth chart is relatively young, featuring sophomore Jadan Baugh, redshirt freshman KD Daniels, and true freshmen Waltez Clark, walk-on Chad Gasper, and Byron Louis. This youthful roster presents an opportunity for Lamar to make an immediate impact should he commit to Florida.([SI][1])
Florida’s running back coach, Jabbar Juluke, has established strong recruiting ties in Louisiana, particularly with Harlem Berry, a top running back prospect from St. Martin’s Episcopal School. Berry, who boasts a 4.27-second 40-yard dash, has narrowed his choices to Florida, LSU, and Texas, with LSU currently leading .([SI][3], [Gators Wire][4])
Additionally, the Gators are in contention for four-star running back Jonaz Walton from Carrollton, Georgia. Walton, ranked as the No. 4 running back in the 2026 class, has included Florida among his top 10 schools, competing against other SEC programs like Florida State, Georgia, Tennessee, and Miami .([One Foot Down][5], [SI][6])
With these developments, the Florida Gators are positioning themselves as a formidable force in the 2026 running back recruiting class. Their continued efforts to engage with top-tier prospects like Lamar, Berry, and Walton underscore the program’s commitment to building a dynamic and competitive backfield for the future.