Jaelen Waters, a four-star cornerback from Seffner (Fla.) Armwood High School, has had a dynamic recruitment journey in the 2026 cycle. Initially, Waters committed to Florida State University (FSU) on April 23, 2024, citing a strong connection with head coach Mike Norvell and the program’s defensive back legacy.
However, on May 30, 2024, he decommitted from FSU, choosing to reopen his recruitment.
Shortly after, on June 15, 2024, Waters committed to the University of Florida. He expressed appreciation for the Gators’ coaching staff, particularly secondary coach Will Harris, and the overall environment at Florida
Despite interest from other programs, including an offer from the University of Georgia in October 2024, Waters remained steadfast in his commitment to Florida.
His dedication was evident when he attended Florida’s victory over LSU in November 2024, reaffirming his 100% commitment to the Gators.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 180 pounds, Waters is ranked as the No. 12 cornerback and No. 153 overall recruit nationally in the On3 Industry Rankings
His commitment bolsters Florida’s 2026 recruiting class, joining other top prospects and reflecting the program’s strong recruiting efforts under head coach Billy Napier.