The tension between the Florida Gators and Miami Hurricanes just got even more heated. This time, it’s not a showdown on the field but a recruiting battle that has Florida fans seeing red. Former Gators defensive backs coach Will Harris has officially helped the Hurricanes pull off a major recruiting win, flipping 4-star cornerback Jaelen Waters from Florida to Miami.
This saga started when Harris surprised the Gator Nation by leaving Gainesville to join Mario Cristobal’s staff in Coral Gables earlier this offseason. Almost immediately, speculation began that Jaelen Waters, an elite in-state prospect, might follow his former coach to Miami. Those rumors became reality on Friday night, as Waters announced his commitment to the Hurricanes, marking the third program he has pledged to during his tumultuous recruitment.
For Florida fans, this flip stings deeply. Waters had the potential to be a cornerstone in Billy Napier’s defense. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 170 pounds, he is ranked as the No. 15 cornerback in the nation and the No. 22 overall player from Florida, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. The Gators thought they had locked him down after his initial decommitment from Florida State, but Harris’ move to Miami tipped the scales in the Hurricanes’ favor.
To make matters worse, Harris didn’t shy away from celebrating the victory on social media, posting a tweet that left Florida fans fuming. The replies to his post have been filled with angry Gators supporters calling out their former coach for abandoning the program and orchestrating this high-profile flip.
It’s not just about losing one player. Waters’ decision could set the tone for future recruiting battles between Florida and Miami. Harris’ success in landing Waters signals that the Hurricanes won’t hesitate to go toe-to-toe with Florida for elite talent.
For Billy Napier and his staff, this is a tough pill to swallow. Losing a recruit of Waters’ caliber, especially to an in-state rival, highlights the competitive nature of recruiting in Florida. It also raises questions about whether the Gators made the right decision in letting Harris walk away.
As the rivalry intensifies, Florida fans can only hope this is the last time they see a prized recruit slip away to Miami. However, with Harris now entrenched on the Hurricanes’ staff, the battle for Florida’s top talent is far from over.
