The Florida Gators basketball program continues to capitalize on its historic 2024-25 national championship momentum, securing an official visit from Cole Cloer, the top-ranked player in North Carolina and a consensus top-30 national recruit in the 2026 class.
Recent reports confirm Cloer has scheduled an official visit to Florida for September 6, marking a significant step in his recruitment process. The 6-foot-7 wing from Caldwell Academy represents the elite, versatile talent that head coach Todd Golden targets.
Florida Makes Strong Push for Elite Wing Prospect
The Gators’ entry into Cloer’s recruitment marks significant development in one of the most competitive recruitments in the 2026 class. Cloer brings elite size, defensive versatility, and multi-positional impact that modern programs covet.
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Florida’s interest aligns with its recruiting philosophy under Golden, emphasizing length, athleticism, and basketball intelligence. The timing of its offer and official visit scheduling demonstrates a commitment to building on its championship foundation with premium talent acquisition.
Cloer’s recruitment attracts attention from basketball powerhouses including North Carolina, Duke, NC State, Tennessee, Alabama, Ohio State, Louisville, and Georgetown. The Greensboro native completed unofficial visits to several ACC programs and expressed interest in multiple official visits.
His recruiting profile indicates a perfect fit in Florida’s system. The ball-handling, defensive pressure, and 6-foot-7 frame are reminiscent of wing players who excelled in Florida’s championship rotation, making the player a potential contributor to a winning team.
Championship Momentum Fuels Recruiting Success
Florida’s 2024-25 championship season, which ended with a 65-63 win over Houston, altered the program’s recruiting position. The Gators scored 36-4 overall, scoring 84.8 points per game while allowing opponents to score 69.6 points and shoot 39.4 percent from the field.
The championship run included signature road victories over top-ranked Auburn and Alabama, marking program milestones and demonstrating Golden’s established culture. This success resonates strongly with elite prospects evaluating programs based on championship ability and player development.
KEEP READING: Florida Gators Make the Case for Having Played the Toughest Stretch of Basketball in CBB History
While Cloer maintains strong North Carolina ties as a lifelong Tar Heel fan, uncertainty surrounding UNC’s coaching situation creates opportunities for programs like Florida. Duke has intensified its pursuit under Jon Scheyer, but Florida’s championship momentum provides compelling advantages.
The official visit allows Florida’s staff to showcase championship culture, facilities, and vision for Cloer’s contribution to sustained success, representing a crucial step in their comprehensive recruitment of the elite wing prospect.
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