Breaking News: 4-Star Defensive Lineman Elijah Golden Commits to Florida State Over Powerhouse Programs Like Georgia, LSU, and Notre Dame
Elijah Golden is a highly sought-after defensive lineman from Cardinal Mooney High School in Sarasota, Florida. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 275 pounds, he is ranked as the No. 1 defensive lineman nationally for the class of 2026. ξciteξturn0search7ξ
Recently, Golden received a scholarship offer from the Florida State Seminoles, adding to his extensive list of offers from top-tier programs, including Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, and North Carolina. ξciteξturn0search0ξ
As of now, there is no official confirmation that Golden has committed to Florida State or any other university. Recruiting processes can be fluid, and it’s essential to rely on official announcements from the athlete or the institutions involved for accurate information.
On3βs Hayes Fawcett reported Saturday that Burroughs had committed to the Clemson Tigers. Burroughs picked the Tigers over the USC Trojans, Florida and the Texas Longhorns.
Florida had an advantage in recruiting Burroughs since he was from the state. He is a native of Jacksonville, Florida, and attends the Bolles School.
He is listed at 5-foot-11, 160 pounds. Burroughs also held offers from the Florida State Seminoles, UCF Knights, Auburn Tigers, Texas A&M Aggies, Ohio State Buckeyes, Penn State Nittany Lions, and others.
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier. Β© Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Burroughs is a four-star prospect and the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2026 class, per On3 Sports. He is also the No. 4 recruit from the state of Florida.
The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine believed Florida had the best shot of earning a commitment from Burroughs. The Gators were given an 87.7% chance of landing him.
Clemson had a 2.8% chance, followed by Florida State (2.4%), USC (1.7%) and Texas (1.7%).
Landing Burroughs would have been the second commitment since Thursday, as the Gators secured a pledge from four-star linebacker Izayia Williams.
Floridaβs 2026 recruiting class currently contains four-star quarterback Will Griffin, Williams and three-star safety Devin Jackson.
However, the Gators still have a chance to convince Burroughs to flip. The receiver is set to have an official visit with the Gators on June 6. Burroughs had an unofficial visit with the team on Sunday.
Florida heads into 2025 with plenty of momentum on the back of an 8-5 season under head coach Billy Napier.
The Gators kick off the 2025 season against Long Island on Aug. 30.
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier
