Four-star quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. has committed to the University of Florida for the 2025 recruiting class, marking a significant win for Billy Napier’s program. Jones, a dual-threat quarterback and a four-year starter at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, is ranked as ESPN’s No. 9 dual-threat passer in the Class of 2025. His decision to commit to Florida comes just days after he decommitted from Florida State, a move that highlights the shifting landscape of college football recruiting.
Jones had been a key member of Mike Norvell’s 2025 class at Florida State, but his commitment to the Seminoles ended on Thursday following a series of changes within FSU’s coaching staff. Norvell’s firing of three assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, contributed to Jones’ decision to re-evaluate his future. His decommitment was the latest in a series of high-profile departures from Florida State’s 2025 class, which has seen six ESPN 300 recruits leave the program since the start of the season.
Florida’s recruiting momentum, meanwhile, has seen a resurgence, especially after the Gators’ 27-16 victory over LSU this past Saturday. Jones, who had made several visits to Gainesville throughout his recruitment, was on campus during that win, and the trip proved pivotal in his decision. “I pretty much saw everything I needed to see when I visited last spring—I just love everything around the campus,” Jones said. “And then hanging out with the guys yesterday, seeing the camaraderie with each other, that really just sealed it for me.” His commitment provides a much-needed boost for Florida’s recruiting efforts and signals a positive step forward for the Gators as they look to close strong in the 2025 cycle.
Jones becomes the first quarterback to commit to Florida for the 2025 class, which now includes five ESPN 300 commitments. As the Gators’ lone quarterback pledge in this cycle, Jones is seen as a cornerstone for the future of Florida’s offense. His addition is particularly important given the uncertainty surrounding head coach Billy Napier’s tenure at Florida, as the Gators’ recruitment had been negatively impacted by the speculation about Napier’s job security. However, Florida athletic director Scott Strickland’s announcement earlier this month that Napier would remain as head coach beyond the 2024 season has provided some much-needed stability for the program.
Jones’ decision to commit to Florida also adds to the growing list of highly-rated in-state prospects choosing the Gators. Alongside Jones, Florida’s 2025 class is set to include four-star wide receivers Vernell Brown III (No. 44 in the ESPN 300) and Naeshaun Montgomery (No. 115), as well as four-star running back Waltez Clark (No. 223). The Gators are also in strong position to add defensive talents, including four-star defensive end Jalen Wiggins (No. 68) and cornerback Ben Hanks Jr. (No. 121). With Jones’ commitment, Florida gains a promising quarterback prospect and a potential leader for the offense moving forward.
Jones’ commitment comes at a pivotal time for the Gators, who are aiming for a strong finish to the 2025 recruiting cycle. It is a significant morale boost for the program, especially with the increased competition from other SEC programs and beyond. As Florida prepares for a matchup against Ole Miss this Saturday, the Gators can look to Jones’ commitment as a sign of the positive momentum building on the recruiting trail.
