Florida Gators
The Florida Gators continue to build momentum for their 2025 recruiting class, securing their 20th commitment on Friday with the addition of defensive lineman Jayden Woods. A 6-foot-3, 240-pound edge rusher from Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, Kansas, Woods made a dramatic flip from Penn State to Florida after being committed to the Nittany Lions since June.
Woods took to Twitter to express his gratitude and excitement for the decision, simply posting, “God’s Plan.” It’s clear that his decision to choose Florida wasn’t just a football decision, but one that felt fated and right for him personally.
A Game-Changer on the Field
Woods had been one of the top defensive prospects in the Midwest for a reason. Over the past two seasons, he’s racked up 13 sacks, showcasing his ability to get to the quarterback and disrupt the opposition’s offensive flow. The Gators were in desperate need of an edge rusher in this class, and Woods certainly fills that role. His explosiveness off the edge and relentless pursuit of the quarterback are traits that Florida head coach Billy Napier and defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong will be eager to work with as they continue to shape this defensive class.
Woods is also no stranger to success—his Mill Valley team has been nothing short of dominant, winning back-to-back state championships. With a third state title on the line this year, Woods has proven that he’s not just a standout player, but a proven winner who knows how to perform in the biggest moments.
Multi-Sport Star with Impressive Athleticism
What sets Woods apart from many of his peers is his exceptional athleticism in multiple sports. Outside of football, he’s also an accomplished track and field athlete and wrestler. Woods won the state championship in discus and also posted an impressive 11.90-second time in the 100-meter dash, proving his raw speed and strength. His background in wrestling will only add to his ability to shed blockers and disrupt plays in the trenches, providing Florida with a versatile and dynamic player.
Part of an Emerging Defensive Line Class
Woods’ commitment is a major boost for the Gators as they continue to solidify their defensive line for the future. He joins a growing group of defensive line commitments in the 2025 class, including Jalen Wiggins, Stephon Shivers, and Jeramiah McCloud. With Woods now in the fold, Florida has flipped five prospects this week alone, showing that the Gators are quickly becoming a force in recruiting.
While the defensive line class is taking shape, Florida is still on the lookout for one more key piece to round out the group. Whether that comes from the high school ranks or from the transfer portal remains to be seen, but with Woods’ commitment, the Gators are building an incredibly talented and athletic defensive front.
Looking Ahead: More to Come?
Florida’s coaching staff has clearly been hard at work, and this commitment is another example of their recruiting prowess. With Woods added to the mix, the Gators are continuing to position themselves as a major player in the SEC and beyond. Florida’s ability to flip prospects like Woods shows that they’re not just in the game for talent—they’re building something special.
With a growing class of committed players and a focus on both winning now and developing for the future, the Gators have solidified their place as a recruiting powerhouse in 2025. And as they continue to bring in top-tier athletes like Woods, the future looks bright in Gainesvill
