UCF flips 2025 CB Rukeem Stroud from Wisconsin

Tampa Bay Tech three-star cornerback Rukeem Stroud has flipped his commitment from Wisconsin to UCF, he announced on Monday.

The 6-foot, 160-pounder pledged to the Badgers earlier this month on June 2, but is now set to stay in-state and play under Gus Malzahn and the Knights in Orlando after picking up an offer from the Big 12 program over the weekend.

Stroud is the No. 457 overall prospect and No. 41 corner in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 63 player in Florida.

The Knights now have a pair of commitments via Tampa Bay Tech, as Stroud joins his three-star wide receiver teammate Santonyo Isaac. UCF’s 2025 class now features 10 commitments in total and ranks No. 26 in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Knights continue charge for top-ranked Big 12 recruiting class

UCF remains in the hunt for the top-ranked class in the Big 12 this cycle, as the Knights are currently battling TCU and Texas Tech for the No. 1 spot. Some in-state firepower and an elite defensive back out of the Peach State headline Malzahn’s pledge list.

Thomasville (Ga.) Thomas County Central four-star safety Kendarius Reddick announced a surprise flip of his commitment from Auburn to UCF on Feb. 3. The 6-foot, 165-pounder is a top-100 prospect in the 2025 On300.

“The way everyone looked at me as family as soon as I stepped foot in the facility. It just made me feel more at home,” Reddick told On3’s Hayes Fawcett upon flipping his commitment.

Palm Beach (Fla.) Central four-star safety Tony Williams is a top-400 commit, while Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola four-star running back Taevion Swint is a top-20 RB and has been in the class since June 14, 2023.

Cincinnati Anderson three-star tight end Caden Peining and Covington (Ga.) Newton three-star defensive lineman Ryshawn Perry each joined the fold in April. Bushnell (Fla.) South Sumter three-star linebacker Malakhi Boone pledged on May 1, while Tampa Jesuit three-star interior offensive lineman Gavin Blanchard committed earlier this month.