RB Carsyn Baker commits to the Florida Gators over FSU

 

On June 13, 2025, four-star running back Carsyn Baker (6‑1, 195 lbs), from Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, GA, officially committed to the Florida Gators—choosing them over Florida State, South Carolina, Ohio State, Clemson, and several others .

 

He joined the Gators as the first running back in their 2026 class and became the eighth overall commit, bolstering their momentum in recruiting .

 

 

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The Roller-Coaster Visit Trail

 

Official visit to Florida in mid‑May: During this visit, Baker deepened his connection with running backs coach Jabbar Juluke, who clearly left a strong impression .

 

He also toured Florida State, but ultimately found himself resonating more with the Gators’ staff, players, and overall culture .

 

Baker turned down further visits to Clemson and Ohio State, solidifying his decision .

 

 

 

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Why the Gators Won Him Over

 

Coaching & Scheme Fit

 

Baker highlighted his bond with Coach Juluke, saying, “Coach Juluke is a great person, a great coach… he’s been great with developing backs” .

 

He emphasized how Florida’s system mirrors his high school offense—“toss and inside zone”—meaning a seamless transition .

 

 

Culture & Brotherhood

 

He noted the strong brotherhood and team atmosphere: “the relationships between the staff and the players… I saw how well I got along with the team” .

 

His social media post said it best: **“Gator Nation, I’m home.”**

 

 

 

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On-Field Acumen & Accolades

 

A legitimate four-star, ranking as the No. 10 RB nationally by On3, top‑15 RB in GA, and top 200 overall recruit .

 

He carried the ball 1,282 yards and scored 13 TDs as a junior, including back-to-back 100+ yard games and a standout state championship showing .

 

Amassed 50+ scholarship offers, including elite programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Miami, and Clemson .

 

 

 

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What This Means for Florida & FSU

 

For Florida:

 

Securing a top-tier RB like Baker is a major win, especially over in-state rival FSU.

 

He steps into a backfield rotation philosophy, which Baker appreciates for both health and development .

 

His commitment maintains Florida’s recruiting surge—8 commits in 2026 so far, now ranked 28th nationally and 6th in the SEC .

 

 

For FSU:

 

Florida State’s recent downfall (2–10 in 2024, worst drop since 1974 in CFP era) made them a tougher sell .

 

The loss reinforces FSU’s struggles in competing locally and in recruiting momentum under their current regime.

 

 

 

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🎥 Highlights & Fan Pulse

 

On Reddit’s r/CFB, fans chimed in:

 

> **”54 offers is obscene”**

**”Juluke (Florida RB coach) does not freaking miss”**

 

 

 

The commentary highlights how well-regarded Baker is—and how Florida’s coaching staff, especially Juluke, is building credibility.

 

 

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Looking Ahead

 

Baker is expected to partake in Florida’s Backfield Rotation System, allowing him to make an impact early without overuse .

 

He joins a strong 2026 class alongside QB Will Griffin, WR Justin Williams, and several OL recruits .

 

With Florida ascending in the SEC and FSU on a downturn, Baker’s commitment could have both short- and long-term implications in-game dynamics and recruiting battles.

 

 

 

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Final Takeaway

 

Florida landed a blue-chip running back in Carsyn Baker—one whose skill set, personality, and preferences align perfectly with their system. Beating Florida State (and elite programs) for his signature is a clear recruiting statement by coach Billy Napier and staff. Expect to see Baker thrive in Gainesville, both on and off the field.

 

 

 

Here’s the full continuation of the long-form news piece on Carsyn Baker’s commitment to the Florida Gators — going deeper into team dynamics, player development, and potential impact on the college football landscape:

 

 

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🔍 A Closer Look at the Gators’ Offensive Future

 

Carsyn Baker isn’t just any recruit. He represents the modern SEC running back archetype: powerful yet fast, highly productive yet team-oriented. At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Baker combines a rare mix of track-speed acceleration (10.65 in the 100-meter dash) and downhill physicality. His ability to break off long runs while also moving the chains in short-yardage situations gives Florida scheme versatility they’ve lacked in recent years.

 

Offensive Line Synergy

 

Florida’s recent recruiting classes have focused on the trenches. With Baker’s arrival, offensive line commits like Mason Love (6-5, 310) and Kyle Stokes (6-3, 285) from the 2025 cycle now have a running back who can capitalize on gaps and set up blocks intelligently.

 

Coach Napier is building what analysts have called a “SEC-proof offense”—one built around balance and physicality. Baker’s presence reinforces that vision.

 

 

Quarterback-Wide Receiver-RB Triangle

 

Pairing Baker with top 2026 quarterback Will Griffin (ranked among the top five QBs nationally) and elite WR Justin Williams gives Florida a trio of offensive firepower that’s rare even among top-tier SEC schools.

 

This synergy could position Florida to compete nationally by 2027, and if development goes well, even challenge Georgia and Alabama for SEC dominance.

 

 

 

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🏈 The Jabbar Juluke Effect

 

Coach Jabbar Juluke is quickly establishing himself as one of the premier running back recruiters in the country. Baker is the latest in a string of high-profile wins for Juluke, who has also been credited with the development of backs like Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson.

 

Why Recruits Love Juluke

 

He emphasizes player longevity, teaching running backs how to protect their bodies while maintaining peak performance.

 

Baker said during an interview:

 

> “Coach Juluke doesn’t just want you to be great on Saturday. He wants you to stay healthy and successful even after college.”

 

 

 

 

 

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📉 FSU’s Miss: What It Means for the Seminoles

 

Losing a prized recruit like Baker to Florida adds salt to the wound for Florida State, which has seen an unsettling pattern in recent months:

 

Back-to-back misses on elite in-state offensive prospects.

 

Concerns among insiders that their current offensive staff has struggled to connect with 2026 recruits, particularly in skill positions.

 

With Miami and Florida both out-recruiting FSU on several key fronts, the Seminoles’ 2026 class currently sits outside the Top 30 nationally—an alarming development for a team trying to rebound after a 2–10 2024 campaign.

 

 

If Florida continues to win these recruiting battles, it could shift the recruiting balance in the Sunshine State for years to come.

 

 

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🧠 Scouting Notes: Baker’s Strengths & Future Role

 

✅ Vision: Baker displays high-level cutback ability and reads zone blocks effectively.

✅ Burst: His acceleration in tight spaces is elite. Once he hits the second level, he’s gone.

✅ Pass-catching: An underrated part of his game. Can line up in the slot, or leak out of the backfield for screens and flares.

✅ Work ethic: Coaches at Langston Hughes praise his leadership, study habits, and film-room dedication.

 

Projected Role:

Baker could start as a rotational RB in Year 1 (2026) before taking over primary duties in 2027, depending on the roster outlook. His profile fits the mold of Florida RBs like Kadarius Toney and Lamical Perine—players who became stars under the right development arc.

 

 

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🗣️ Social Media Reaction

 

Carsyn Baker’s commitment post on X (formerly Twitter):

🟦🐊 “Committed to The Swamp. This is HOME. Let’s work. #GatorNation #GoGators”

 

Florida fans flooded social media:

 

> “This back is built for the SEC grind!”

“FSU can’t hang with this new wave. Juluke is HIM.”

“Carsyn Baker + Will Griffin = SCARY HOURS.”

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Seminole fans expressed frustration and disappointment at another miss, with several threads on fan forums calling for staff reshuffling before the 2026 cycle runs away completely.

 

 

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📅 What’s Next for Florida?

 

With Baker now locked in, the Gators are:

 

Pushing for a top-10 finish in 2026 class rankings.

 

Targeting elite WR Jayden King and TE Chase McKenzie to round out their skill position arsenal.

 

Hosting a major June recruiting weekend where Baker is expected to help peer-recruit, especially among offensive prospects.

 

 

 

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🔮 Final Word: A Statement Commitment

 

Carsyn Baker’s decision to choose Florida over FSU and other powerhouses isn’t just another commit—it’s a program statement. It tells the college football world that the Gators are back in the business of landing and developing game-changers. And it tells future recruits that The Swamp is a destination again.

 

With the 2026 recruiting class shaping up to be one of the best in the Napier era, Carsyn Baker might just be the centerpiece of a new dynasty in Gainesville.