On3 4-star DL Joseph Mbatchou decommits from Florida

Loganville (Ga.) Grayson four-star defensive lineman Joseph Mbatchou has decommitted from Florida.

He previously committed to the Gators in late July, but has now backed off that pledge after a slew of offers, including Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Tennessee and more.

“After deep thought and prayer, I have decided to re-open my recruitment,” he wrote on Twitter. “I’d like to thank the entire staff at the University of Florida, and can’t wait to get back down there. I’m excited to finish this journey from a new perspective. Commitment in December.”

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— Joseph Mbatchou (@JoeMbatchou) October 21, 2024

The 6-foot-4.5, 280-pounder is the No. 379 overall prospect in the 2025 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 33 defensive lineman and No. 49 recruit in the Peach State.

On3, however, is higher on him than other services. He was recently tabbed as a four-star prospect just outside the On300 rankings, checking in as the country’s No. 31 DL and No. 38 player in Georgia.

After a flurry of activity in his recruitment, Mbatchou has six official visits set between now and the December signing period, which begins Dec. 4.

According to GatorsOnline.com’s Keith Niebuhr, he will see Michigan (Oct. 26), Auburn (Nov. 2), Florida (Nov. 16), Tennessee (Nov. 23) and South Carolina (Nov. 30).

Mbatchou already took an official visit to Texas over this weekend and is strongly considering the Longhorns.

His decommitment leaves the Gators with just 11 pledges in their 2025 class, which currently ranks No. 33 nationally and No. 15 in the SEC with less than two months until National Signing Day.

This is a developing story and will be updated.