Florida football lands commitment from blue-chip safety Kailib Dillard

David Rosenberg, Gators WireWed, May 6, 2026 at 11:02 AM UTC

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Tulsa (Oklahoma) Jenks four-star safety Kailib Dillard committed to the University of Florida on Tuesday.

Dillard is the Gators 12th commitment of the cycle and second on the day. Four-star offensive tackle Elijah Hutcheson committed earlier on Tuesday.

The 6-foot-2-inch, 170-pounder chose Florida over the Georgia Bulldogs and Oregon Ducks.

“My family and I had made the call this past Sunday, with me knowing how strong that connection was. I couldn’t get them off my mind,” Dillard said to Sam Spiegelman of Rivals. “What separates them was how much they valued me as a person. My wants and needs are for me to be great and thrive in their program.”

Dillard had 78 tackles, five interceptions, four pass breakups and one forced fumble in the 2025 season. The Gators offered him in January and hosted him on a spring visit.

“What put Florida over the edge for me was the scheme fit they have for defensive backs — it fits my playing style and how they set them up for success...” he said. “...The way they set their defensive backs up for success and how they can use them versatility-wise makes them a great scheme fit for me. Being able to play wherever on the field at all times.

"What most excites me is the energy (Sumrall) is bringing to this new team at Florida and how he is going to rebuild them back to the old Florida days.”

Recruiting Summary

Dillard is a three-star recruit everywhere but Rivals' standalone rankings. Rivals has him at No. 244 nationally and No. 24 among safeties in the class of 2027. 247Sports has Dillard at No. 473 overall and No. 46 at his position.

In the composite rankings, 247Sports has him at No. 112 among safeties, and Rivals has him at No. 476 nationally and No. 41 at his position.

Florida moves into No. 6 on the Rivals team recruiting rankings and 247Sports composite rankings.

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Florida's 2027 recruiting class

All rankings are from the 247Sports composite.

Quarterback4-star Davin Davidson, No. 126 overall (No. 10 QB)

Wide receiver4-star Tramond Collins, No. 112 overall (No. 6 WR)Four-star Anthony Jennings, No. 276 NATL. (No. 35 WR)

Tight end4-star Jackson Ballinger, No. 411 overall. (No. 24 TE)3-star Tommy Douglas, No. 435 overall (No. 26 TE)

Offensive line5-star Maxwell Hiller, No. 3 overall (No. 1 OT)4-star Elijah Hutcheson, No. 85 overall (No. 7 OT)4-star Peyton Miller, No. 125 overall (No. 9 IOL)

Defensive line3-star De’Voun Kendrick, No. 727 overall (No. 80 DL)

Cornerback4-star Amare Nugent, No. 158 overall (No. 20 CB)4-star Aamaury Fountain, No. 90 overall (No. 25 CB)

Safety3-star Kailib Dillard, No. 473 overall (No. 46 S)

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football recruiting safety Kailib Dillard commitment

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Source: “AOL Sports”