The Florida Gators football are gaining momentum on the recruiting trail and are now trending toward landing four-star running back Andrew Beard, though Clemson Tigers football remains a serious contender.
According to recent reports, Beard—ranked among the top running backs in the 2027 class—is expected to announce his college decision on May 8, choosing between Florida, Clemson, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Florida currently holds a slight edge in predictions, with at least one recruiting analyst projecting him to commit to the Gators. However, the race is far from settled. Another prediction has favored Clemson, effectively making Beard’s recruitment a tight 50-50 battle between the two programs.
Beard’s upcoming visits could play a key role in the final outcome. He is scheduled to visit Clemson later in May before heading to Florida in early June, meaning his recruitment could extend beyond his initial commitment date if he chooses to wait.
On the field, Beard has been highly productive, rushing for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior after an even bigger sophomore campaign. His combination of vision and versatility has made him one of the most sought-after backs in the class.
For Florida, landing Beard would mark its first running back commitment in the 2027 class and continue what has already been a strong recruiting run. But with Clemson still firmly in the mix, this battle is one to watch closely in the coming weeks.
