Florida’s wide receiver board for the 2027 cycle is starting to take shape, and one name gaining traction again is Jaden Upshaw.
Upshaw, a 2027 prospect from Lee County High School in Leesburg, Georgia, had Florida on the outside looking in earlier in the process. That appears to be changing as the Gators build renewed momentum with the Top-100 wideout.
The shift is notable because Florida is trying to make early, consistent inroads with elite skill players in the region. Upshaw’s recruitment is still in its early stages, but the Gators positioning themselves back in the mix signals a more active approach on the trail. Florida’s staff has been working to re-establish contact and relevance with targets who may have cooled on the program, and Upshaw fits that profile.
On January 23, Upshaw released a list of schools he was considering at the time, a snapshot that suggested Florida had work to do to close the gap. Since then, Florida’s standing has improved, creating a clearer path for the program to compete for one of the country’s premier receivers in the 2027 class.
For Florida, the next steps are straightforward: keep the communication steady, get Upshaw back on campus, and show tangible development at the position. With recruiting timelines stretching longer than ever, early momentum matters, but so does sustaining it through visits, spring evaluations, and continued relationship building.
The Gators are not at the finish line, and this recruitment will evolve. Still, Florida’s renewed presence with Upshaw is a development worth tracking as the program pushes to secure top-end playmakers tied to the Southeast pipeline.
Florida’s message to elite receivers is clear. The Gators intend to be in every major race, even the ones that looked out of reach.
