Look, the college football grind never stops. Ohio State might’ve just locked up Natty, but recruiting season’s already heating up like Miami in July. And guess who’s making waves? Florida’s Billy Napier, stirring the pot and aiming for one of Michigan’s prized gems—a four-star, highly rated cornerback. Sherrone Moore’s got his hands full trying to keep this one locked in. So, what’s the tea?
Brody Jennings, a stud from Jacksonville’s Mandarin High, has been low-key locked into Michigan’s 2026 class since July. At 6 feet 1 inch and 178 pounds, he’s ranked as the No. 21 cornerback and the No. 51 player from Florida in On3’s Industry Rankings. Jennings has been a solid commit to Michigan’s 2026 class since mid-July, even recruiting for the Wolverines himself. But Napier ain’t taking no for an answer. After Jennings’ visit to Miami last weekend, he’s set to check out Florida next. And Napier’s making it personal.
Florida’s DB coach, Will Harris, hit Jennings’ school last week with a message loud and clear: “You’re at the top of our list.” According to Jennings, Harris pulled out all the stops, saying, “He could have been at any other schools, but he was at my school, so that was pretty cool. He came to see me, and that was a good feeling. He was telling me about the DB’s he’s developed and his guys at Florida he’s developing.”
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But Billy Napier’s playing chess, not checkers. He’s leaning hard into the “stay in Florida” angle, and it’s hitting home. Jennings said, “He told me I’m a great athlete and a great person. He wants me to be at Florida and stay in Florida.” That’s not just recruiting—that’s pulling at heartstrings. And let’s not forget Florida’s recent momentum in recruiting. The Gators finished #9 in the 2025 recruiting class.
Looks like Napier is serious about flipping Brody Jennings. After a weekend in Gainesville, he’s heading straight to Jennings’ school in Jacksonville. The Florida Gators are pulling out all the stops to steal this four-star safety from Michigan.
After spending the weekend at Florida (and having a good time), coach Billy Napier will be at Michigan four-star safety commit Brody Jennings’ school on Monday as the Gators work to flip the Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin standout.@JoshHenschke / @Jason_Higdon / @JohnGarcia_Jr pic.twitter.com/CNc06UkUaE
— Adam Gorney (@adamgorney) January 26, 2025
Meanwhile, Michigan’s Sherrone Moore can’t afford to lose Jennings. After the Wolverines lost four-star QB Brady Hart, Jennings’ commitment became even more crucial. He’s not just a top-315 player; he’s a cornerstone for Wink Martindale’s Michigan future secondary. Moore’s job? Keep Jennings away from the sunshine and lock into Ann Arbor.
Sherrone Moore vs. Billy Napier: the ultimate recruiting duel
See, Jennings is in a tough spot. On one hand, he’s committed to Michigan, and he’s publicly reaffirmed that loyalty. On the flip side, Napier’s pitch to stay home and play for the Gators is hitting all the right notes. Jennings’ visits to Miami and Florida signal that he’s at least open to exploring his options. And who can blame him? It’s a lot to process for an 18-year-old with a ton of eyes on him.
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If we look deep into it, this ain’t just about Brody Jennings; it’s a clash of two recruiting powerhouses who are trying to make a natty run after a disappointing season.
Moore’s trying to build a dynasty at Michigan with Bryce Underwood at QB, while Napier’s in quick build mode at Florida after going 8-5 and missing the playoffs. Billy Napier’s job security is hanging by a thread, all thanks to DJ Lagway. Losing Jennings would be a blow for the Wolverines and a massive win for Billy Napier and the Gators. The contact period’s intensity is on full display here, and it’s anyone’s game.
Jennings’ decision will probably come down to relationships and love-bombing. Can Sherrone Moore convince him that Michigan’s the best place to grow? Or will Billy Napier’s classic home-state pitch seal the deal? Either way, this recruiting battle has all the makings of a classic flip. Keep your popcorn ready—this one’s going down straight to the swamp.
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Will Brody Jennings stay loyal to Michigan, or is Florida's home-state pitch too tempting?
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