Tennessee 2027 Safety Locks in Official Visit to Florida

Loia Valade, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound safety from Chattanooga, Tennessee, will visit the Gators.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 1:09am

McCallie School (Tenn.) 2027 safety Loia Valade received an offer from the University of Florida after visiting for the school's Junior Day on January 24. Valade has now set an official visit to the Swamp, citing the strong relationships and transparency he has built with the Gators' coaching staff.

Why it matters

Securing an official visit from a top 2027 safety prospect like Valade is a significant recruiting win for the Florida Gators as they look to build for the future. Landing elite defensive talent is a priority for the program.

The details

Valade, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound safety from Chattanooga, Tennessee, made the trip to Gainesville for Florida's Junior Day on January 24. A couple of days later, he received a scholarship offer from the Gators. Now, Valade has set an official visit to the Swamp, citing the strong relationships and transparency he has developed with the Florida coaching staff.

  • Valade visited Florida for the school's Junior Day on January 24, 2026.
  • Valade received a scholarship offer from Florida a couple of days after his Junior Day visit.

The players

Loia Valade

A 5-foot-11, 180-pound safety prospect from Chattanooga, Tennessee in the class of 2027.

Florida Gators

The University of Florida's football program, which is recruiting Valade as a top 2027 safety prospect.

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What they’re saying

“The relationships with the coaches. They've been really consistent and transparent with me.”

— Loia Valade

What’s next

Valade will take his official visit to the University of Florida in the coming months as he continues to evaluate the Gators and other programs.

The takeaway

Securing an official visit from a top 2027 safety prospect like Valade is a significant recruiting win for the Florida Gators as they look to build for the future. Landing elite defensive talent is a priority for the program.