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𝑬𝑺𝑷𝑵 𝑹𝑬𝑷𝑶𝑹𝑻: Four-Star Safety CJ Hester Commits to Florida Gators Over National Powerhouses
Gainesville, FL — The Florida Gators continue their red-hot recruiting streak in the 2026 class with the commitment of four-star defensive back CJ Hester, one of the top secondary prospects in the nation.
Hester, a 6’1″, 185-pound standout from Cocoa High School (Florida), made his decision public on July 3, 2025, choosing the Gators over a deep list of elite suitors including Georgia, Auburn, Iowa, Syracuse, and Miami.
> “Florida just felt like home,” Hester said following his announcement. “The coaching staff made me feel like a priority from day one, and I believe in what they’re building in Gainesville. I want to be part of it.”
Recruiting Profile:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4-star safety)
247Sports Composite Ranking:
No. 41 Safety nationally
Top-70 overall in Florida
On3 Ranking:
No. 16 Cornerback
No. 121 Nationally
Holds over 35 offers, including from top SEC and Big Ten programs
Hester becomes the 16th commit in Florida’s 2026 recruiting class, which has rapidly climbed in national rankings over the past month. His commitment follows a flurry of activity for the Gators, including recent pledges from Desmond Green, Kendall Guervil, and Kaiden Hall—all highly regarded defensive prospects.
Florida head coach Billy Napier and defensive backs coach Deron Wilson were instrumental in securing Hester’s commitment, establishing a strong relationship with him early in the cycle.
> “CJ is a playmaker with elite instincts and physical tools,” Wilson said in a statement. “He’s versatile, can play deep safety or come up in run support, and has the character we want in our locker room.”
Hester, who plays both safety and corner at the high school level, is expected to line up at free safety in Florida’s defense. His range, physicality, and ball-hawking ability will add a dynamic presence to the Gators’ secondary for years to come.
The Cocoa High School product visited Auburn, Syracuse, UCLA, and Iowa in June but said his final official visit to Florida on May 31 sealed the deal.
What’s Next?
With Hester on board, Florida’s 2026 class is now ranked in the Top 15 nationally, and momentum is building ahead of more potential summer commitments. The Gators remain in the mix for top-tier prospects, including Heze Kent, DQ Forkpa, and Jaden Perlotte.
CJ Hester’s pledge to Florida is more than just another star recruit—it’s a signal that the Gators are reestablishing themselves as a premier destination for elite defensive talent.