Breaking News: Son of NFL 5-Star Commit Stuns College Football World with Shocking Flip to WVU over Florida and Georgia…
Breaking News: Son of NFL 5-Star Commit Stuns College Football World with Shocking Flip to WVU over Florida and Georgia…
Gainesville, FL — June 13, 2025
In a dramatic twist that’s sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape, the son of a former NFL 5-star commit has flipped his pledge from West Virginia University (WVU) to the University of Florida, committing to the Florida Gators in what insiders are calling one of the most unexpected recruiting moves of the year.
The player, Jamal “J.T.” Taylor Jr., a highly-touted 2025 five-star wide receiver and the son of retired NFL Pro Bowler and wideout legend Jamal Taylor Sr., made the stunning announcement Thursday morning in front of a packed gymnasium at his high school in Dallas, Texas.
Dressed in a neutral gray hoodie, J.T. unzipped to reveal a Florida Gators t-shirt and placed a Gators cap on his head — instantly igniting cheers from the crowd and lighting up social media with reactions ranging from disbelief to elation.
A Shocking Change of Direction
J.T. had previously given a strong verbal commitment to West Virginia back in February, citing the coaching staff’s loyalty, early scholarship offer, and “family atmosphere” in Morgantown. His decision gave the Mountaineers a significant boost in recruiting rankings and sparked hope among fans that the team was building a new era of elite talent.
However, behind the scenes, sources close to the Taylor family revealed growing concerns over WVU’s offensive scheme, recent coaching changes, and a perceived lack of national exposure.
In contrast, Florida presented an irresistible package: a new NIL deal reportedly valued in the high six figures, an explosive offensive playbook under Head Coach Billy Napier, and the Gators’ strong pipeline to the NFL. According to J.T., it was a matter of preparing for the next level.
> “This wasn’t an easy decision,” Taylor Jr. said. “WVU showed me a lot of love, and I’ll always appreciate that. But at the end of the day, I had to think long-term — about my development, visibility, and how I’ll be best prepared for the NFL. Florida gives me that edge.”
Florida’s Gain, WVU’s Pain
For the Gators, the addition of J.T. Taylor Jr. is a major recruiting coup. Florida was not even considered a frontrunner until early May when they ramped up efforts, including multiple visits from position coaches and a private workout in Gainesville. The Gators’ persistence paid off.
Coach Napier celebrated the commitment in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
> “Game-changer incoming. Welcome to the Swamp, J.T.! 🐊💥”
Florida fans are buzzing with excitement, calling J.T. the heir apparent to the legacy of past Gator greats like Percy Harvin and Kadarius Toney. His combination of speed, route-running, and football IQ — not to mention NFL pedigree — makes him one of the most electric recruits in the 2025 class.
WVU, on the other hand, is reeling from the sudden loss. The Mountaineers’ fanbase, already anxious over recent quarterback struggles and coaching instability, took to forums and social media to express disappointment and frustration.
> “This one hurts,” wrote one WVU fan on a message board. “We had a future WR1 in J.T. and now he’s walking into the SEC spotlight.”
What’s Next?
WVU is expected to shift focus toward their remaining top wideout targets and may pursue the transfer portal more aggressively to fill the void. But recruiting analysts say losing a five-star talent of Taylor’s caliber this late in the process is difficult to recover from.
Meanwhile, Taylor’s decision gives Florida a huge momentum boost heading into summer camps. With one of the top 2025 recruiting classes already, the Gators are building a powerhouse that could challenge the SEC elite within the next two seasons.
J.T. Taylor Jr. plans to enroll early at Florida in January 2026, allowing him to participate in spring practices and get a head start on the Gators’ offensive playbook.
As for his father, Jamal Taylor Sr., he shared a few words of support after the announcement:
> “I told my son to make the choice that’s best for his future, not mine, not anyone else’s. He did just that. Now it’s time to go earn it in the Swamp.”
With his father’s NFL legacy behind him and Gator Nation now at his back, J.T. Taylor Jr. is stepping into the spotlight — not just as a recruit, but as a future face of Florida football.
And for college football fans, the drama of recruiting season just got another unforgettable chapter.
