Top Wide Receiver Target Commits To Florida Gators Over FSU Football

The Seminoles took their shot at the blue-chip prospect despite lengthy ties to Gainesville.

Florida State is going to have to keep searching for the final pieces of the puzzle to fill out its wide receiver class in the 2025 recruiting cycle.

On Sunday afternoon, four-star wide receiver Vernell Brown III announced his decision to commit to the Florida Gators over FSU, Ohio State, and Miami. Brown was one of the Seminoles' top remaining uncommitted targets regardless of position but it was always going to be tough to win this recruitment with his ties to Gainesville.

Florida State took its best shot after hosting him for an official visit at the end of June. Plus, there were some relationships in their favor as four-star quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. and Brown developed into close friends during the 7-on-7 circuit.

In the end, Florida landed Brown's initial pledge after he grew up around the program. His father played for the Gators from 2001-05 and was on staff for nearly six years (2018-23). He currently manages former UF quarterback and Indianapolis Colts rising star, Anthony Richardson.

READ MORE: ESPN's Paul Finebaum Says Another ACC Team Is More Attractive To SEC, Big 10 Than FSU

The Florida native caught 70 passes for 1,363 yards and 10 touchdowns while returning three punts and one kickoff for scores during his junior season at Jones High School. Brown also participates in track and field at the prep level where he's a two-time state qualifier in the triple jump with a personal best of 43-7.25.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound wide receiver is regarded as the No. 25 overall prospect, the No. 6 WR, and the No. 5 recruit in Florida in the 2025 class according to 247Sports.

Florida State holds 12 verbal commitments in its 2025 class which ranks No. 18 in the country. The Seminoles hold pledges from two of the most highly regarded receivers in the cycle; four-star Daylan McCutcheon and four-star CJ Wiley.

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