Gators trending ahead of commitment date for LB Malik Morris
One of the Florida Gators‘ top defensive targets is now just days away from making his college decision.
Lakeland (Fla.) linebacker Malik Morris, a 4-star prospect in the 2026 class, is reportedly announcing his commitment on Monday, July 7. The finalists are Florida, Miami and Texas A&M, three schools that have been heavily involved throughout his recruitment.
The Gators have long been considered the front runner and still hold a commanding lead in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine at 93.4 percent. Florida’s consistency, in-state ties and strong relationships have helped keep Billy Napier’s staff out front, especially after Morris’ last few experiences in Gainesville.
“The visit was amazing,” Morris told Gators Online after his official visit in June. “Coming into this program, I already knew what was going on. I felt comfortable with it, and now it’s a bigger step to the next point of where we can go with this in the recruiting process.”
Shortly after that multi-day experience, Morris named Florida as his No. 1 option as well.
“It solidified everything,” Morris said. “It solidified everything about where this place really stands with me. I’ve been here so many times, so I’m familiar with the whole staff. It doesn’t get any better from here.
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“Just the people themselves. The whole program. Honestly, just the way the way they treat me. They set the bar high. If you want to beat Florida, you better come with it.”
The Gators could be inching closer to landing multiple linebackers
Morris has taken official visits to each of his finalists, but Florida has always seemed to hold a different place in his heart.
“Florida fit right in my heart, man,” Morris said during the spring. “I like a lot of places, but Florida fits in my heart. It’s just something special.”
A commitment from Morris would be a major boost for Florida’s 2026 class at linebacker. Just days after Morris announces, fellow 4-star linebacker DQ Forkpa is expected to reveal his decision as well. Like with Morris, the Gators are trending heavily in that recruitment.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
