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Tennessee Rival Making a Play For Vols' De-Committed Prospect
Florida Gators emerge as contender for 2027 cornerback Kamauri Whitfield after he decommits from Tennessee
Feb. 13, 2026 at 11:55pm
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One of Tennessee Football's top rivals, the University of Florida, appears to be making a push for 2027 cornerback prospect Kamauri Whitfield, who recently decommitted from the Vols. Whitfield, a three-star recruit from Orlando, Florida, originally committed to Tennessee in October 2025 but has now reopened his recruitment, with the Gators emerging as a top contender after he took an impressive visit to Gainesville in January.
Why it matters
This development is significant as Tennessee and Florida have a long-standing rivalry in college football, and the two programs will continue to compete for top recruits in the Southeast, even as their annual matchup is no longer a guaranteed fixture on the schedule due to SEC scheduling changes.
The details
Whitfield, ranked as the No. 443 overall prospect and No. 44 cornerback in the 2027 class, originally committed to Tennessee just days after visiting the program in October 2025. However, he announced his decommitment on Friday, citing the recent coaching changes in Knoxville as a factor. The Gators, who have also undergone staff changes with the hiring of new head coach Jon Sumrall, are now firmly in the mix, with Whitfield scheduling an official visit to Gainesville on May 28. He also has visits planned to Oregon, Nebraska, and Virginia Tech as he reevaluates his options.
- Whitfield originally committed to Tennessee on October 15, 2025.
- Whitfield decommitted from Tennessee on Friday, February 13, 2026.
- Whitfield has scheduled an official visit to the University of Florida on May 28, 2026.
The players
Kamauri Whitfield
A three-star cornerback prospect in the class of 2027, originally from Orlando, Florida and formerly committed to the University of Tennessee.
Jon Sumrall
The new head coach of the University of Florida football team, who has been working to rebuild the Gators' coaching staff.
Brandon Harris
The new cornerbacks coach at the University of Florida, who previously held the same position at the University of Central Florida.
What they’re saying
“With all the defensive coaching changes I felt like I needed to step back and make sure I was making the best long-term decision for me and my family. Tennessee is still in my top schools.”
— Kamauri Whitfield
What’s next
Whitfield will take his official visit to the University of Florida on May 28, 2026, as he continues to evaluate his options and potentially make a new commitment decision.
The takeaway
This recruitment battle between Tennessee and Florida highlights the ongoing competition between the two SEC rivals for top talent in the Southeast, even as their annual matchup is no longer guaranteed on the conference schedule. Whitfield's decommitment and subsequent interest in the Gators shows the impact that coaching changes can have on a prospect's decision-making process.
