Florida Gators land massive defensive recruit to boost their 2026 recruiting class

Florida Gators land top cornerback commit C.J. Hester

The Gators have made Hester a high priority since Will Harris was coaching the secondary. That continued once Deron Wilson took over and projecting Hester to commit to the Gators didn't waver.

Hester joins fellow four-star cornerback C.J Bronaugh in the 2026 recruiting class, and it's a very impressive duo for the Gators to build their defense around. He is the number 121 overall recruit and 16th-ranked cornerback per On3 Sports, but 247 Sports has him listed as a safety. 

His scouting report from 247 Sports highlights a talented player however the Gators choose to use him.

Battle-tested defensive back with natural coverage skills and some alignment flexibility that has produced since he was a freshman for a Cocoa program that has won three-straight state titles. Verified at just under 6-foot-1 early on in the recruiting process and should eventually carry 195 pounds or more. Has plenty of experience working in off-man situations from an outside posting and does a favorable job of putting himself in position to make plays in the deeper third with his route recognition. Animated as a tackler as he charges towards opponents and tries to unload with force. Not afraid to lower his shoulder and rock a compromised pass catcher, either. Owns promising track and field metrics, but game tape and in-person evaluations suggest that he’s quicker than he is fast. Projects as a starting-caliber safety at the Power Four level that could also earn snaps on the inside as a nickel defender. Should be a regular on special teams units with his physicality and sound football IQ.

The Gators are back up to 13th in the On3 team rankings, including fifth in the SEC.

• Four-star CB C.J. Bronaugh
• Four-star DT Kendall Guervil
• Four-star WR Marquez Daniel
• Four-star DL JaReylan McCoy
• Four-star WR Justin Williams
• Four-star S Kaiden Hall
• Four-star RB Carsyn Baker
• Four-star QB Will Griffin
• Four-star CB C.J. Hester
• Three-star OT Chancellor Campbell
• Three-star iOL Desmond Green
• Three-star iOL G'Nivre Carr
• Three-star DT Jamir Perez
• Three-star TE Kekua Aumua
• Three-star OT Tyler Chukuyem
• Three-star OT Javarii Luckas