The Florida Gators have a total of seven 2025 signees participating in the 2025 Under Armour All-American game this week in Orlando, which is the most out of any team in the country this year. One of Florida’s more highly touted signees is linebacker Ty Jackson, who will be the lone linebacker to represent the Gators in this year’s annual game. Gator Country got the opportunity to speak with Jackson at media days on Sunday to discuss his decision to sign with the Gators.
“It was a building thing, even after they saw me commit to USC, they were still on me and making family at home at UF,” Jackson said on why he committed to the Gators. “In the end it was Florida not giving up on me.”
After the Ole Miss game, Jackson knew where he wanted to go. The ability to fight through adversity and finish the season strong is what set Florida apart from others.
“The adversity that the team went through,” Jackson said on what made it click for him becoming a Gator. “They didn’t start out as expected but they definitely finished good.”
Jackson took a liking to Napier’s comments on his senior film, saying it was some of the best film he has seen as a head coach. However, Jackson has more to prove at the next level.
“I did hear about that and I’m definitely grateful for that, but I feel like there is still more work to be done,” Jackson said.
One of the biggest things Jackson and his family wanted to see this season was the use of freshmen linebackers and Florida’s rotation throughout the defense. With players like Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles getting significant snaps this season, the Florida native saw exactly what he wanted to see.
“It was good seeing them switch in and out, paying attention and blitzing a lot. That’s what I like,” Jackson said.
Even with his main recruiter Austin Armstrong now at Houston, Jackson wasn’t bothered by the change and has great faith in Napier to make the best decision for Florida’s defense next season. The 6-1, 200-pound linebacker also went on to mention at the end of the interview that it’s more than likely he would have signed with Florida regardless of the turnaround late in the season; the Florida native wanted to stay home.
Jackson attended Seminole Ridge High School where he was a four-star prospect that was once ranked as the No. 1 linebacker in the Class of 2025 early in the cycle. In 32 games played, Jackson totaled 391 total tackles (162 solo), 15 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 4 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and a blocked punt.