Tyler Chukuyem, a four-star offensive tackle from Douglasville, Georgia, knew he wanted to make a commitment on Monday.
He came into the day with a top four of Cincinnati, Florida, Florida State and Ole Miss, and the tea leaves were pointing to either Ole Miss or Florida getting his commitment.
While there were predictions in favor of Lane Kiffin and the Rebels, Billy Napier and the Gators were able to have the last say with Chukuyem before decision day. He took an official visit to Gainesville this past weekend, and coming away from Florida, he spoke highly about the Gators.
"It was a good weekend," Chukuyem told Swamp247. "Very informative about all the education part, the school itself, the coaches. It was a good weekend."
They say that first impressions last, but last impressions can also be lasting. As such, it's not a huge surprise that the four-star from Georgia decided to cross state lines and play college ball at Florida.
BREAKING: Class of 2026 OT Tyler Chukuyem has Committed to Florida, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 16, 2025
The 6’6 290 OT from Douglasville, GA chose the Gators over Ole Miss, Cincinnati, & Florida State
“Bet on yourself”https://t.co/JYcXWzGqSA pic.twitter.com/YWpmMRDvs5
There's a lot to like about Chukuyem as an offensive tackle recruit. The big thing (literally) is his size. He checks in at 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds entering his senior year of high school. This is a player who could end up being huge as a future bookend of Florida's offensive line.
247Sports ranks Chukuyem as a three-star, the No. 36 offensive tackle in the 2026 class, but On3 ranks him as a four-star and as the No. 26 offensive tackle in the nation.
One has to wonder if Georgia may get involved in his recruitment now that he's committed to a rival SEC school, but for now, this is a very big pickup for Napier and the Gators.
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