Gators a big factor with elite power-forward Toni Bryant
WESLEY CHAPEL, FLORIDA — Toni Bryant has 41 offers and a lofty ranking. But the 4-star junior power-forward from North Tampa Christian Academy isn’t quite ready to start narrowing things down in his recruitment.
“I’m pretty open-minded,” Bryant told Gators Online. “My recruitment has just started taking off.”
Florida is among the schools that appear to be strongly interested — and heavily involved. Not only have the Gators offered, but according to Bryant and his coach, Zach Reynolds, they watched Bryant play in person multiple times in person this summer.
“They’re a big factor,” Bryant said. “I talk to (assistant coach Carlin Hartman) all the time. “I love their coaches, I love their school, I love their campus. It felt like family when I went there. I love Coach Hartman. I’m very good friends with his son.”
Toni Bryant is the No. 4 junior in Florida
Bryant, who said Thursday he is 6-foot-10 and 205 pounds, is the No. 2 power-forward and No. 25 overall recruit nationally for the 2026 class in the On3 Industry Rankings. He said he has no official leaders, but noted schools such as Cal, Florida, Michigan, South Florida, Texas A&M and UCF are among those that stand out in his recruitment. “Texas A&M and Cal probably” are recruiting him hardest.
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“I think I’d like to be committed to somebody by the middle of my senior year,” Bryant said.
September should be a busy month for Bryant, who plans to visit multiple colleges, including Florida. What does he hope to experience in Gainesville?
“Really the same things I saw the last time,” Bryant said. “Just talk to the staff a little bit more, get to know them a little more. Like I said, Coach Hartman, that’s my guy.”
According to Bryant, he can envision himself playing for the Gators someday.
“They fit my play style,” Bryant said. “They’ve got a very athletic team. The culture is good. They’ve got good workhorses and I feel like I can play really anywhere there. I feel like I can do a little bit of everything. Defense is my strength. I can guard one through five.”
