Florida football earns commitment from blue-chip cornerback CJ Bronaugh in 2026 cycle
Another day, another commitment for Florida football.
On Wednesday, the Gators added four-star cornerback CJ Bronaugh out of Winter Garden (Florida) Windermere to its 2026 recruiting class with a verbal pledge. The 6-foot-1-inch, 166-pound defender had previously committed to the Nebraska Cornhuskers — whom he had pledged to back in November — but recently de-committed, opening the door for Billy Napier and Co. to swoop in and snatch the talent.
Bronaugh holds 26 total offers with the Florida State Seminoles also in the mix, as well as the Penn State Nittany Lions and Missouri Tigers. He made an official visit in Gainesville back on May 30, followed by a trip to Lincoln for an OV with the Huskers and one in Tallahassee last weekend with FSU.
Alas, the Orange and Blue prevailed... for now, at least.
CJ Bonaugh's relationship with Florida football
"I really like the culture that Florida has," Bronaugh previously told Swamp247. "The school is in a good area, has good facilities and is in the SEC."
Defensive backs' coach Deron Wilson has spearheaded the efforts to get the Central Florida product into the Swamp, as well as Napier. Their approach is the same that has been seen across the program's recruiting efforts over the past few years, which focuses on fostering close relationships with the young prospects.
"Since Coach Wilson has gotten to Florida, he's been hitting me up a lot to let me know I'm important to him... He's a really good person. If you put coaching to the side, he's just a really good dude to spend time around," Bronaugh notes.
"Coach Napier is even talking with me and my family a lot... they are definitely showing they want me."
CJ Bronaugh's Recruiting Summary
Bronough is ranked No. 99 overall and No. 12 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at Nos. 106 and 14, respectively.
"Ascending defensive back prospect with some of the best speed markers in the class," 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins begins.
"Hasn't faced the stiffest competition to date, but turned heads spring before senior year at an Under Armour Next Camp in Orlando where he not only tested off the charts, but also locked down one side of the field in coverage. Meets key length thresholds as he has been verified at over 6 feet and is equipped with some additional length in the arms.
"Straight-line burst and sideline-to-sideline range is optimal for a single or two-high safety role, but warrants a look at corner as he will fight for positioning out on the perimeter and has the agility to mirror most weapons. Not afraid to take risks and jump routes, which led to three pick-sixes as a junior.
"Serviceable as an open-field tackler on Fridays, but improved play strength would go a long way on Saturdays, especially if he's going to be asked to fit corridors. Will need to soak up coaching and keep perfecting his craft, but should be viewed as a traits-heavy secondary player that could emerge as a bonafide playmaker for a Power Four program with his frame and acceleration."
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