The latest Rivals predictions favor Miami to land five-star edge defender Asher Ghioto, leaving Florida on the outside looking in.
Ghioto is a top-five prospect in the state of Florida and is one of the most coveted players in the 2028 cycle. The Canes and Gators are locked in what could be the nation’s most significant in-state recruiting battle, with Mario Cristobal and company taking the advantage for now.
Last season, the 6-foot-5-inch, 240-pound Jacksonville, Florida, native recorded 84 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, and 23 sacks. He was a key piece in Bolles’ run to the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 3A football final. The sophomore received the Times-Union’s All-First Coast Defensive Player of the Year award in January. The program last secured a five-star edge defender with LJ McCray in 2024 after beating out Miami, Auburn, and Georgia.
In modern college football, edge rushers have evolved to become one of the most valuable positions in the sport. Ghioto isn’t UF’s singular focus on the EDGE; Florida remains involved with several other prospects, including four-star Tampa, Florida, native Antonio Thomas Jr., as well as four-star Jalanie George, four-star Keani Snipes, and four-star Jaden Bell. At 6-feet-3-inches, 235 pounds, Thomas Jr. was a dominant two-way star at Carrollwood Day School. During his sophomore campaign, he amassed 54 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks.
The prediction represents how influential Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes have been in the Sunshine State. Despite the most recent projections, Jon Sumrall and his staff will continue to push for the game-changing talent as Florida’s momentum on the trail continues.
Asher Ghioto’s recruiting summary
Ghioto is the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2028 class and No. 1 at his position according to 247Sports composite. On3 industry rankings list him at Nos. 7 and No. 2, respectively. The five-star recruit currently has 63 offers, among them 16 programs, including Alabama, Georgia and LSU. At the time of publishing, Miami has the leading probability to sign Ghioto at 67.1%, followed by Florida at 8%, and Florida State at 6.2%.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida predicted to lose 5-star EDGE Asher Ghioto to in-state rival
Reporting by Michael Long, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Michael Long, Gators Wire | USA TODAY Network
