In a surprising turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, four-star linebacker Ty Jackson, ranked as the nation’s No. 1 inside linebacker prospect, has decommitted from the University of Southern California (USC) and announced his pledge to the University of Florida. The Loxahatchee, Florida native’s decision marks a significant coup for Gators head coach Billy Napier and his staff as they aim to secure a top-tier recruiting class in the final days before the early signing period begins on December 4th.
A Monumental Flip
Jackson, who sits at No. 54 overall in the 2025 ESPN 300 rankings, had been a cornerstone of USC head coach Lincoln Riley’s recruiting efforts since committing to the Trojans on September 8th. As the third-highest ranked prospect in USC’s 2025 class, Jackson’s decommitment deals a substantial blow to the Trojans, who have now seen eight ESPN 300 prospects, including five-star quarterback Julian Lewis and four other top-100 defenders, back out of their commitments during this cycle.
The talented linebacker’s change of heart came just two days after he visited Florida during the team’s thrilling 24-17 victory over No. 9 Ole Miss, a win that clinched bowl eligibility for the Gators in Napier’s third year at the helm. With Jackson now on board, Florida boasts the eighth-highest rated recruiting class in the 2025 cycle, according to ESPN’s latest rankings.
An Elite Defensive Prospect
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 225 pounds, Jackson possesses the ideal frame and athleticism to excel at the inside linebacker position at the collegiate level. Scouts have raved about his instincts, lateral quickness, and ability to diagnose plays, projecting him as a potential multi-year starter and future NFL Draft pick. As one talent evaluator noted, “Ty Jackson has the tools to be a game-changer in the middle of a defense. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ is rare, and he has the potential to be a real difference-maker at the next level.”
Ty is a special player with a bright future ahead of him. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him to the Gator family.
– Florida head coach Billy Napier on Jackson’s commitment
Gators Gaining Momentum
Jackson’s pledge continues a recent hot streak on the recruiting trail for Florida, which has secured commitments from several high-profile prospects since announcing plans to retain Napier beyond the 2024 season. The Gators landed former Florida State quarterback Tramell Jones on November 17th, followed by pledges from four-star defensive tackle Stephon Shivers (a one-time Georgia commit) and three-star offensive lineman Daniel Pierre Louis (flipped from Florida State) in the days that followed.
With the early signing period fast approaching, Florida is expected to remain active in pursuit of several other highly-coveted prospects, including five-star Ohio State cornerback commit Na’eem Offord (No. 4 overall) and four-star Texas wide receiver pledge Jaime Ffrench (No. 25). Landing either or both of these elite recruits would further solidify the Gators’ class and provide additional momentum heading into the offseason.
The Road Ahead
With Jackson now in the fold, attention turns to how he will fit into Florida’s defensive scheme and the impact he could have as a freshman in 2025. Given his talent and pedigree, it’s not unreasonable to expect Jackson to compete for immediate playing time and potentially even a starting role in his first season on campus.
As for the Gators, the addition of a prospect of Jackson’s caliber is a testament to the program’s resurgence under Napier and a sign that brighter days may lie ahead in Gainesville. Florida will look to build on its recent success and positive recruiting momentum when it travels to face in-state rival Florida State in the regular-season finale on ESPN2.
For USC, meanwhile, the loss of Jackson serves as a harsh reminder of the cutthroat nature of college football recruiting and the challenges that come with sustaining success on the trail. While the Trojans’ 2025 class remains strong overall, the decommitments of Jackson and several other high-profile prospects have undoubtedly dealt a blow to Riley and his staff as they work to rebuild the program to its former glory.
The Bottom Line
Ty Jackson’s flip from USC to Florida is a seismic event in the world of college football recruiting, one that has the potential to shape the trajectory of both programs in the years to come. For the Gators, landing a prospect of Jackson’s pedigree is a major coup and a sign that Napier’s rebuild is progressing ahead of schedule. For the Trojans, the loss of yet another elite recruit serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges that lie ahead as they look to reclaim their place among the sport’s elite.
As the early signing period draws near and the 2025 recruiting cycle enters its final stages, one thing is certain: the commitment of Ty Jackson to Florida is a story that will be talked about for years to come, and its impact will be felt on the field and on the recruiting trail for the foreseeable future.
