Top-Ranked U.S. Basketball Prospect Jude Vandic Commits to Florida Gators, Shunning Rivals FSU, Auburn, and Ohio to
In a highly anticipated recruiting decision that sent ripples through the college basketball world, Jude Vandic, the nation’s top-ranked high school basketball prospect, has officially committed to play for the University of Florida. The 6-foot-8 forward from Montverde Academy in Florida announced his decision Saturday afternoon, choosing the Gators over notable programs including Florida State, Auburn, and Ohio.
Vandic, considered by analysts as a generational talent with NBA lottery potential, made the announcement during a televised ceremony at his school. Dressed in a crisp white suit, Vandic unzipped his jacket to reveal a Florida Gators shirt underneath, drawing cheers from the assembled crowd and igniting excitement among Florida fans across the country.
“It just felt right,” Vandic said after revealing his decision. “The coaching staff at Florida showed me genuine belief in my game, and the culture there is about winning and developing players the right way. I want to be part of that.”
Vandic’s decision marks a major recruiting win for Florida head coach Todd Golden, who is entering his third year with the program. Golden has made significant strides in revitalizing the Gators’ recruiting pipeline, but landing Vandic—a player widely regarded as the top overall prospect in the 2025 class—is a groundbreaking achievement.
“Jude is the kind of player who can change the trajectory of a program,” said Golden in a statement. “He brings elite skill, high basketball IQ, and an unmatched work ethic. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Gainesville.”
Known for his versatility, Vandic excels as a stretch forward with the ability to guard multiple positions. His combination of size, athleticism, and smooth shooting range has drawn comparisons to NBA stars such as Jayson Tatum and Paolo Banchero. In his junior season at Montverde, Vandic averaged 23.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, leading his team to a state title and earning Gatorade National Player of the Year honors.
Recruiting insiders had long speculated that Vandic would stay close to home, but his decision to commit to the Gators over in-state rival Florida State surprised many. The Seminoles, along with the Auburn Tigers and Ohio University, had been in strong contention and made compelling pitches during his recruitment process.
FSU head coach Leonard Hamilton had personally attended multiple Vandic games, while Auburn’s Bruce Pearl offered the prospect a fast-track to national exposure in the SEC. Ohio University, though a long shot, was reportedly in the mix due to family ties and strong player development promises.
Ultimately, Vandic said the relationships he built in Gainesville made the difference.
“I’ve been to a lot of places and talked to a lot of great coaches,” Vandic said. “But Florida made me feel like family. They showed me how I fit into their system and how they’re going to push me to reach my full potential.”
Social media lit up following the announcement, with former Florida players, NBA stars, and fans welcoming Vandic to the program. The Gators, who have struggled to reclaim their dominance since their back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007, now appear poised for a resurgence.
With Jude Vandic leading the way, the Florida Gators may soon find themselves back in the national spotlight—and deeper into March Madness than they’ve been in over a decade.
What aspect of Vandic’s game are you most interested in—his scoring,
defense, or versatility?