The Florida Gators just landed a potential program-changing commitment — and possibly the next face of college football. Reshard Overeem, the No. 3 overall recruit and top quarterback prospect in the 2026 class, officially announced his commitment to the University of Florida late Thursday night. The 6’2”, 206-pound dual-threat quarterback out of Sanford, Florida, chose the Gators over a loaded field that included LSU, Florida State, Clemson, Alabama, Ole Miss, Penn State, Georgia, and Indiana.
Overeem, a five-star athlete who dominated the high school scene, brings a combination of athleticism, arm talent, and leadership that has scouts and coaches buzzing. His commitment not only strengthens Florida’s quarterback room for the future but also cements the Gators as one of the nation’s premier destinations for elite offensive talent.
A High School Star Built for the Spotlight
At Seminole High School, Overeem was nothing short of electric. During his senior campaign, he threw for 3,412 yards and 38 touchdowns, completing 71% of his passes while rushing for 1,082 yards and 15 more scores. He led Seminole to a 13–1 record and a state semifinal appearance, falling just short to powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas in a thrilling 45–42 overtime battle.
What set Overeem apart wasn’t just his numbers — it was how he got them. He became known for his poise under pressure, leading five fourth-quarter comebacks in his final season. One of his most memorable performances came in the regional championship against Miami Central, when he accounted for 524 total yards and six touchdowns, including a game-winning 42-yard scramble with just eight seconds remaining.
“Reshard just has that it factor,” Seminole head coach Daryl Freeman said. “You can’t coach his instincts. You can’t coach the way he feels the game. He’s got a rocket for an arm, but it’s his decision-making and leadership that separate him. He’s the kind of kid you build a program around.”
The Measurables: Next-Level Tools
Overeem’s skill set reads like something out of a video game. His physical tools already rank among the best in the nation for an incoming freshman:
- Throw Power: 85
- Short Accuracy: 82
- Medium Accuracy: 80
- Deep Accuracy: 77
- Throw on the Run: 84
- Throw Under Pressure: 77
- Break Sack: 84
- Speed: 87
- Acceleration: 92
- Awareness: 65
Overeem blends a dynamic arm with elite mobility, making him a true dual-threat weapon. His ability to extend plays mirrors the modern quarterback prototypes that dominate both college and the NFL. Coaches rave about his effortless delivery and lightning-quick release, but his acceleration and burst outside the pocket make him lethal on designed runs and scrambles alike.
Choosing Florida: A Legacy in the Making
For Overeem, the decision to commit to Florida wasn’t just about football — it was about continuing a legacy. The Gators have become quarterback central in recent years, especially following the success of DJ Lagway, last year’s Heisman Trophy winner and current face of the program.
Rumors have circulated that Lagway plans to return for another season, a move that would perfectly set the stage for Overeem’s development. The young signal-caller could redshirt or serve as a backup, learning directly from one of the best in the nation.
“DJ’s story inspired me,” Overeem said at his commitment press conference. “He came in, put in the work, and turned himself into the best player in college football. That’s the blueprint. I want to learn from him, grow under him, and when my time comes — I want to be the next Heisman winner to wear orange and blue.”
The similarities between the two are hard to ignore. Both are dual-threat quarterbacks with elite speed and strong arms, and both entered Florida with sky-high expectations. Lagway, however, entered college with about 40 pounds more muscle — something Overeem plans to add as he develops under the Gators’ strength program. Coaches believe that once his frame fills out, he’ll mirror Lagway’s combination of power and speed perfectly.
Recruiting Battle of the Year
Overeem’s recruitment was one of the most hotly contested in recent memory. LSU and Florida State were considered frontrunners early, while Alabama and Clemson made late pushes. Florida’s offensive system and the promise of learning behind Lagway ultimately sealed the deal.
Insiders point to an unofficial visit during Florida’s spring game as the turning point. Overeem spent the weekend shadowing Lagway and offensive coordinator Marcus Evans, watching how the Gators operate their high-tempo, quarterback-driven offense.
“He saw how we develop quarterbacks, and he saw the love from the fanbase,” Evans said. “That visit changed everything. He told us later that night, ‘Coach, this feels like home.’”
The Future of the Gators’ Offense
With Overeem in the fold, the Gators now boast one of the most promising quarterback rooms in the nation. Lagway’s return for a senior campaign gives Florida stability at the top, while Overeem provides elite depth and long-term upside.
Scouts project Overeem as a future first-round pick if his development continues on track. His athletic profile already places him among the fastest quarterbacks in the country, and with Florida’s offensive scheme tailored for mobility and creativity, his ceiling appears limitless.
Off the field, Overeem has already made waves for his leadership and charisma. He was known at Seminole for staying after practice to throw with younger players and even volunteered as a mentor for local youth football programs. That maturity, combined with his competitive edge, gives coaches confidence he’ll thrive in the SEC spotlight.
Overeem’s Vision
When asked what drew him most to the Gators, Overeem didn’t hesitate.
“Florida just felt right,” he said. “I’ve watched DJ, I’ve watched the energy this program brings, and I want to be part of that. I want to bring a national title back to Gainesville. I want to be the next in line to carry that torch.”
For Florida fans, those words sound like music. The future of the program looks as bright as ever — and if Reshard Overeem’s high school heroics and competitive drive are any indication, the Gators may have just found their next superstar.
Final Take:
Florida’s quarterback lineage continues to grow. DJ Lagway set the standard. Reshard Overeem could be the one who raises it even higher. With elite athleticism, an NFL-caliber arm, and the hunger to follow in a Heisman winner’s footsteps, the Gators’ future looks golden — and Gainesville just got its next generational talent.
