4-star safety Lagonza Hayward commits to Florida: ‘I love everything about it’

Numerous college football programs worked to add Lyons (Ga.) Toombs County four-star safety Lagonza Hayward to their 2025 recruiting classes. One of them was Florida. 

Even though Hayward originally chose Tennessee on July 27, the Gators never stopped pursuing Hayward and “kept it consistent the whole time” with the 6-foot-1, 205-pound defensive back. That effort paid off, as Hayward has committed to the Gators after backing off his pledge to the Volunteers on Dec. 1. 

“Florida has always been in the back of my mind,” Hayward told On3. “When they played Tennessee and went to overtime against them at Neyland Stadium, I was like, ‘Hold on.’ I started paying attention to them… Their defense played great. Everybody was flying around. It wasn’t just one position group.” 

Florida has been on Hayward’s mind

Hayward is the latest blue-chip addition to Florida’s 2025 class, a group that has added top recruits in November and December. The Gators have long been a program of interest to the No. 5 player in Georgia. 

“I’ve always been cool with the people there,” said Hayward, the No. 53 overall prospect and No. 3 safety in the 2025 On300. “I’ve always loved the place and loved the atmosphere. I love everything about it and everything they have to bring to the table.

Hayward is excited about the future at Florida

Florida ended its regular season with three straight wins against then-No. 22 LSU, then-No. 9 Ole Miss and Florida State. It was also announced in November that head coach Billy Napier would remain in his position. 

These developments “for sure” impacted Hayward’s decision. He is now ready to make an impact for the Gators. 

“The legacy at Florida is great,” Hayward said. “They’ve had players such as Brandon Spikes, Major Wright and Tim Tebow. Being a part of the recruiting class that can possibly bring that legacy back is big for me. They have all the coaches who are able to bring it back and now, they just need the pieces.”