Florida State will need to continue its search to complete its wide receiver class for the 2025 recruiting cycle.
On Sunday afternoon, four-star wide receiver Vernell Brown III committed to the Florida Gators over FSU, Ohio State, and Miami. Brown was one of the Seminoles’ top uncommitted targets, but his ties to Gainesville made the recruitment challenging.
Despite Florida State’s efforts, including an official visit at the end of June and the relationship Brown had with four-star quarterback Tramell Jones Jr., the Gators secured Brown’s initial pledge. Brown’s father played for the Gators from 2001-05 and was on staff from 2018-23, and he currently manages former UF quarterback and Indianapolis Colts rising star, Anthony Richardson.
Brown, a Florida native, caught 70 passes for 1,363 yards and 10 touchdowns, and returned three punts and one kickoff for scores during his junior season at Jones High School. He also competes in track and field, qualifying twice for the state triple jump with a personal best of 43-7.25.
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound wide receiver is ranked as the No. 25 overall prospect, the No. 6 WR, and the No. 5 recruit in Florida for the 2025 class according to 247Sports.
Florida State currently has 12 verbal commitments in its 2025 class, which ranks No. 18 nationally. The Seminoles have pledges from two highly regarded receivers: four-star Daylan McCutcheon and four-star CJ Wiley.
