Florida flips 2026 4-star ATH Demetres Samuel from Syracuse

Palm Bay (Fla.) Heritage four-star athlete Demetres Samuel has flipped his commitment from Syracuse to Florida.

Pledged to the Orange since March 30, Samuel now becomes the latest in-state prospect to join the Gators. The cousin of former Florida defensive back Marcus Maye, Samuel returned to Gainesville at the end of July. He is also expected to reclassify to the 2025 cycle.

Samuel is the No. 84 overall prospect and No. 6 athlete in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 12 junior in Florida.

On3 ranks the 6-foot-2, 180-pounder higher than other recruiting services. He checks in at No. 52 overall, according to the 2026 On300.

For more Florida recruiting intel, check out Gators Online.

“They’re always going to try to keep me home, so they are going to try to make everything feel good, and make me feel like I’m at home here,” Samuel told Gators Online after his late July visit. “I feel good, because Coach Harris and Coach Bey always are going to make me feel at home because it’s Florida. It definitely feels good.”