Texas Football: Status update for 5-Star UF S commit Xavier Filsaime

The biggest remaining flip target for Texas football in the 2024 recruiting class before signing day next month is the elite five-star McKinney (TX) safety, and Florida Gators commit Xavier Filsaime. Texas offered Filsaime in early October and has been in constant communication with him since.

The threat of the Longhorns flipping Filsaime’s commitment from the Gators heightened last week when he took a midweek visit with his father to Austin unofficially. He started the midweek unofficial visit to Austin on Nov. 21.

Another material event that can impact Texas’ pursuit of flipping Filsaime’s commitment from the Gators on the recruiting trail in the 2024 class was a shake-up on the Florida coaching staff.

The Orlando Sentinel reported on Nov. 27 that Florida and head coach Billy Napier have parted ways with defensive backs coach Corey Raymond and defensive line coach Sean Spencer after the Gators’ nine-point loss in a rivalry game. Florida lost 24-15 to the No. 5 Florida State Seminoles at The Swamp in Gainesville on Nov. 25.

Texas football continues to push for 5-Star UF S commit Xavier Filsaime after the Gators part with DB coach Corey Raymond

Filsaime’s relationship with Raymond was one of the driving factors that led to his commitment to the Gators. Raymond was one of the leading recruiters from the Florida staff for Filsaime.

Filsaime reacted to the Gators parting ways with Raymond on social media after the news came out on Nov. 27.

Departure of Raymond from UF could impact status of Filsaime’s commitment to the Gators

Florida was already seemingly losing blue-chip commitments in the 2024 class left and right this month. Compound the struggles Florida had on the field, missing out on bowl eligibility with the loss to Florida State last weekend, with the Gators parting ways with Raymond and Spencer and you could get even more decommitments in their 2024 class soon.

Mike Roach of 247Sports reported on Nov. 27 (paid content) that Filsaime is “looking into several backup options” for his recruitment after the departure of Raymond early this week. And this move for Florida could reportedly be “a catalyst” for Filsaime to re-open his recruitment.

Texas among the schools Filsaime could consider if he backs off his commitment to Florida before signing day

Texas has made up significant ground in this recruitment just in the last couple of months since safeties coach Blake Gideon and the Longhorns offered him on Oct. 9. It is expected that he could make a return trip to Texas for an official visit before signing day on Dec. 20.

Roach also mentioned it in this 247Sports report that some of the other top schools Filsaime is considering if he re-opens his recruitment soon are the Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Georgia Bulldogs, and even the SMU Mustangs. He’s visited USC and Texas this fall.

Georgia has hung around in this recruitment since last offseason. SMU is reportedly trying to make a late push with Filsaime after a strong result on the field this season and with the move to the ACC on tap next year.