BREAKING: Four-Star Linebacker Malik Morris Commits to Florida Gators, Rejecting Offers from Georgia, Alabama, and LSU
In a major recruiting victory for the Florida Gators, four-star linebacker Malik Morris has officially announced his commitment to the University of Florida, choosing the Gators over powerhouse programs Georgia, Alabama, and LSU. The commitment marks a significant defensive addition for Florida’s 2026 recruiting class and signals that head coach Billy Napier and his staff are building serious momentum on the trail.
Morris, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker from Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Georgia, has been one of the most highly sought-after defensive prospects in the Southeast. Ranked among the top 15 linebackers nationally and a top-100 overall prospect by several recruiting services, Morris has earned a reputation for his elite speed, physicality, and leadership on and off the field.
In his announcement, Morris expressed excitement about the opportunity to be part of the Gators’ future.
> “Florida just felt like home,” Morris said. “The coaches believed in me from day one. Coach Armstrong and Coach Napier showed me how I could make an immediate impact in their defense. I want to help bring Florida football back to where it belongs — competing for championships.”
Morris’s decision comes after several months of intense recruitment from the top SEC programs. Both Georgia and Alabama made strong pushes to land the dynamic linebacker, with LSU also hosting him for an official visit earlier this summer. Ultimately, Morris said Florida’s consistent communication, defensive scheme, and family-like environment were deciding factors.
Florida defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong played a key role in securing Morris’s pledge. Armstrong has prioritized building a defense anchored by athletic, high-IQ linebackers capable of making plays in space — a description that fits Morris perfectly. Analysts see him as a player who could thrive in Armstrong’s aggressive, blitz-heavy system.
Recruiting experts have praised Florida’s effort in this cycle, noting that Morris’s commitment could have ripple effects throughout the region. Landing a highly rated Georgia native over his in-state Bulldogs and other SEC rivals sends a strong message that the Gators are once again a serious contender for elite talent in the South.
“Getting Malik Morris is a statement win for Florida,” said recruiting analyst Corey Brooks. “He’s a true game-changer at linebacker — fast, instinctive, and explosive. This is the type of player who sets the tone for an entire defense.”
Morris recorded over 110 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks during his junior season, earning All-State honors and helping lead Cedar Grove to a deep playoff run. His versatility allows him to play inside or outside linebacker, and he’s equally effective dropping into coverage or attacking the backfield.
With Morris’s commitment, Florida’s 2026 recruiting class continues to climb in the national rankings, joining several other blue-chip prospects who have recently pledged to the program. The Gators now have one of the most balanced classes in the SEC, featuring strong additions on both sides of the ball.
For Florida fans, the addition of Malik Morris represents more than just another star commitment — it’s a symbol of the program’s resurgence and a glimpse into a future defined by defensive
dominance in the Swamp.
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