Samuel Bailey Committed to University of Florida
The four-star offensive tackle prospect announced his pledge to the Gators football program.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Football
Mae Jemison standout offensive tackle Samuel Bailey has committed to play for the University of Florida. Bailey is a consensus four-star recruit who chose the Gators over several top programs.
Why it matters
Bailey represents a significant recruiting victory for Florida, as he is considered one of the top high school talents in Alabama. His decision highlights the intense competition for blue-chip offensive line prospects among major collegiate programs.
Bailey measures 6-feet-5-inches and 290 pounds. He is ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect in Alabama and the No. 6 offensive tackle in the nation.
The players
Samuel Bailey
He is a four-star offensive tackle recruit from Mae Jemison high school in Huntsville who has committed to the University of Florida.
University of Florida
It is a major public university in Gainesville that competes in the Southeastern Conference of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision.
The details
Bailey, who plays for Mae Jemison, officially declared his commitment on social media following a recruitment process that included offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Ohio State, Tennessee, and South Carolina. AL.com currently lists him as the No. 22 player in the state of Alabama.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: Samuel Bailey announced his commitment to the University of Florida.
Season Trajectory
Bailey's commitment marks a key development in the 2028 recruiting cycle, illustrating how top-tier programs secure talent to maintain competitive balance. His departure to the University of Florida impacts the long-term roster construction and talent pipeline for both his future college team and state-level rankings.
Bailey's commitment removes a top-tier offensive lineman from the regional recruiting pool, significantly shifting the talent landscape for Alabama programs that previously held scholarship offers. His move to the University of Florida establishes a new benchmark for Mae Jemison program prestige as he continues his prep career.
The takeaway
Securing a consensus four-star recruit is a foundational step for any major football program looking to build long-term depth on the offensive line. Prospects like Bailey often leverage social media to manage the high-pressure environment of modern collegiate recruitment.
Further reading
For more updates on local prep athletes, see Football.
