Four-star linebacker Ellis McGaskin chose the Gators<\/a> over LSU<\/a> and Florida State<\/a>, giving Jon Sumrall one of the most coveted front-seven targets of the cycle. While several programs remained involved with McGaskin down the stretch, Florida leveraged months of relationship building to seal their No. 22 commitment of the class.<\/p>\n The four-star defender stands at 6 feet 1 inch, 190 pounds, and plays for Williamson High School in Mobile, Alabama. A natural fit in Brad White’s aggressive defensive strategy, McGaskin recorded 160 tackles and 26 tackles for loss for the Lions last season. The top-50 linebacker in this class had their official visit to Gainesville last week.<\/p>\n New head coach Jon Sumrall and his staff continue to build a foundation on defense with top-tier talent across the front seven. The Gators secured commitments from four-star LB Ja’Bois Smith and four-star edge rusher Cahron Wheeler just days ago and signed three-star Stive-Bentley Keumajou Yondui earlier this month.<\/p>\n Ellis McGaskin’s recruiting summary<\/p>\n McGaskin is slated No. 353 overall and No. 28 at his position, according to\u00a0the 247Sports composite, while\u00a0the On3 industry rankings<\/a>\u00a0have him at Nos. 345 and 30. The Mobile, Alabama, native had 40 total offers with 14 SEC programs extending invitations.<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n On3’s recruiting prediction machine gave LSU the edge in his recruitment just weeks ago, but the Gators surged past the Tigers with a strong official visit.<\/p>\n Follow us\u00a0@GatorsWire<\/a>\u00a0on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as\u00a0Bluesky<\/a>, and like our page on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0to follow ongoing coverage of\u00a0Florida Gators<\/a>\u00a0news, notes and opinions.<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/86373768007-gators-1.jpg\")