Gators ink 15 to 2026 class, beating top competition for some commits amid coaching change

Windermere senior cornerback CJ Bronaugh, who is also a state-champion sprinter, stuck with his commitment to Florida and is among 15 high schoolers who signed with the Gators during the Early Signing Period. (Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)GAINESVILLE — The Early Signing Period arrived for Florida with new head coach Jon Sumrall still coaching Tulane and the Gators pushing to maintain a Top 20 class more than six weeks after the school fired Billy Napier.

Despite the challenges, UF landed a strong mix of players addressing key needs while also beating out some stiff competition.

The Gators held off a late push from Ohio State to keep Windermere cornerback CJ Bronaugh and edged Oklahoma for…