Billy Napier's Florida lands commitment of 4-star safety Devin Jackson to class of 2026: Reports

By Maliha

Modified Aug 01, 2024 06:07 GMT

Florida is leaving no stone unturned to bounce back from its 5-7 record last season. Coach Billy Napier and his staff have already ensured 11 commitments in their 2025 class. The program's 2026 recruiting class also got a major boost on Wednesday with the reported commitment of four-star safety Devin Jackson.

Jackson’s recruitment journey to Florida began when he received an offer last year from then-defensive backs coach Corey Raymond. Despite changes in the coaching staff, new assistant Will Harris stepped in and continued to build strong relationships with recruits.

Jackson was heavily favored to choose Florida, as he frequently attended home games and made multiple visits to the campus in 2024. His latest visit on Wednesday for the Gators' first practice of Fall Camp was the decisive moment for his commitment. This followed recent visits to Maryland on July 24-25 and UCF on July 26.

During his sophomore year at West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound prospect recorded 58 total tackles, 27 solo tackles and two pass breakups. His freshman season saw him record 58 total tackles, 37 solo tackles and five pass breakups.

With Jackson’s commitment, Florida's 2026 class now boasts four members, including four-star quarterback Will Griffin, four-star athlete Demetres Samuel and four-star cornerback Jaelen Waters. As of now, the class is ranked No. 6 in the nation and No. 3 in the SEC, according to On3 team rankings.

Why did Devin Jackson pick Florida over other programs?

Plenty of programs like Texas A&M, Georgia, LSU, Missouri and Maryland were in pursuit of the safety. But Jackson chose Florida over others due to the sense of belonging he felt in the Gators' program (Via Gators Online):

“They show a lot of love when I come up there and I’m wanted up there,” Jackson said earlier this month. “I’m up there a lot of times, so I know the facilities too. It feels like home all around.”

Jackson’s connection with the Gators' coaching staff also played a huge role in his choice:

“I talk to Will Harris, Billy Napier, and also the new [assistant] DBs coach [Beyah Rasool] the most. We talk pretty often. I don’t want to say every day, but every other day.”

Jackson also found inspiration in the current players at Florida (via 247 Sports):

"They said if I keep getting better than the rest of recruiting and football all takes care of itself," Jackson said. "I really look up to those boys. I see what they are doing, and I want to be great just like them."

Devin Jackson is ranked as the nation’s No. 25 safety in the 2026 class and the No. 73 recruit in Florida, per On3. Meanwhile, 247 Sports places him as the nation’s No. 42 safety and the No. 68 recruit in Florida.