Florida Football: Top offensive line target Kaden Strayhorn visiting UF this weekend

On Feb. 1, one of the top interior offensive linemen in the class of 2025 announced that they would be taking an official visit to the University of Florida this weekend. Kaden Strayhorn, currently a four star by most recruiting services, will be in Gainesville. He currently ranks as a top 20 interior lineman in the class, and the No. 3 interior linemen in the state. He previously announced these intentions on Jan. 22, and re-affirmed it with his tweet yesterday. Strayhorn could be an immediate contributor for Florida football in 2025, and it is great to see the Gators pushing hard for his services.

I will be at the University of Florida this weekend! #GoGators 🐊 pic.twitter.com/eFbUpCH1VS

— Kaden Strayhorn (@kaden_strayhorn) February 1, 2024

Kaden Strayhorn is highly coveted, for good reason

Kaden Strayhorn has already had a unique career, and his career in football is just beginning.  He is the son of Jason Strayhorn, a multi-year letter winner for Michigan State. Naturally, the young Strayhorn started high school football up in Michigan, playing for Novi Central Catholic High School. However, he headed down to Florida following that season, playing for the talent-rich IMG Academy. From there, he has had the colleges all calling for his services.

As mentioned at the start of the article, Kaden Strayhorn ranks out as a top 20 interior offensive linemen per the 247Sports Composite. Overall, Strayhorn is ranked No. 363 in the class following his junior season. This season followed up his sophomore campaign, where he was a preseason sophomore All-American.

Kaden Strayhorn holds 22 offers currently, with Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State all among those who are listed as “warm” on his recruiting profile. The Gators are currently listed as cool, although Strayhorn coming in for a visit might be a sign that things are about to change. His visit to Florida football comes just a week after visiting in-state rival Miami.

What has most coaches salivating for Kaden Strayhorn is his athleticism and aggressiveness. Strayhorn is very aware of these traits, with his X profile reading “Most Versatile offensive lineman in America.” He is a player that aims to block through the whistle, and through his man. He is an active blocker, looking to progress into the next level to help spring a running back free. In a recent interview, Strayhorn disclosed that one of his top goals heading into college in 2025 will be to win the Rimington Award. With his skillset, versatility, smarts, and athleticism, it is a very realistic goal. He also holds the goal to outwork everyone in the room, and that attitude will translate well to the collegiate level.

An early look at the offensive line situation for Florida football

Obviously, it is a bit early to look at the room Strayhorn would be slotting into, considering the 2024 season will be played out before he steps foot on campus. That said, the room lost 6 linemen thus far, including starters Micah Mazzccua, Richie Leonard, and Senior Bowl prospect Kingsley Eguakun. The unit had a rough 2023, with PFF ranking the Gators low 60s in the pass block, and high 50s in run blocking among FBS teams. The 2024 season is a make-or-break year for Billy Napier and this offensive line, and even if they “make” it, I think Kaden Strayhorn can contribute early and often in his collegiate career. The Gators bring in multiple lineman in this class, and currently do not have one signed on to their three person 2025 class.

If Billy Napier and line coaches Rob Sale and Darnell Stapleton can land him, this will be a massive recruiting win for Florida football. Let’s hope this visit knocks it out of the park.