In a shocking turn of events that has reignited one of college football’s fiercest rivalries, **four-star defensive back Jeremiah Scott** has flipped his commitment from **Florida State** to the **Florida Gators**. The news broke Tuesday morning, sending shockwaves through the recruiting landscape and giving Billy Napier and his staff a massive win on the trail.
Scott, a 6-foot, 185-pound cornerback out of **Tampa, Florida**, had been verbally committed to Florida State since February. Considered one of the top 20 cornerbacks in the 2025 class by 247Sports, he’s known for his elite footwork, ball-hawking instincts, and physical play on the perimeter. He’s a major pickup for a Florida secondary that has emphasized speed and versatility in recent recruiting classes.
“I had to go where I felt most comfortable, and that’s in Gainesville,” Scott said in a statement posted to his social media. “Florida feels like home. The coaches have shown me love from day one, and I believe in what they’re building.”
Sources close to Scott’s recruitment say the Gators never backed off, even after his initial pledge to the Seminoles. Florida cornerbacks coach **Will Harris** and defensive coordinator **Austin Armstrong** reportedly made Scott a priority, emphasizing early playing time and his fit in their aggressive defensive scheme. The Gators’ persistence paid off, with Scott making multiple visits to Gainesville this spring — including an unofficial visit just last weekend that appears to have sealed the deal.
For Florida State, the loss is a tough blow. Scott was considered one of the crown jewels of the Seminoles’ 2025 class, and losing him to an archrival adds salt to the wound. However, FSU is still in the mix for several top defensive backs and is expected to respond on the trail in the coming months.
For Florida, this flip marks the second time in as many months that the Gators have snatched a prized recruit away from a major rival, following a recent flip from Miami. It’s a clear sign that Billy Napier and his staff are gaining traction heading into a pivotal 2025 cycle.
With Scott now in the fold, the Gators’ class jumps in national rankings and gains a vocal recruiter who has already begun reaching out to other top in-state talent. His switch could have a domino effect as the Gators aim to lock down the Sunshine State.
As the battle between Florida and Florida State continues to rage both on and off the field, this latest flip is a major win for the orange and blue — and one that fans in Gainesville will celebrate loudly.