Four-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle, remains committed to Auburn but is exploring his options with a series of visits this spring and summer.
Among his planned stops is a trip to Gainesville to visit the Florida Gators on March 11, followed by an official visit scheduled for June 6.
Toodle is one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation. Despite his commitment to Auburn, he is taking a thorough approach to his recruitment, ensuring he makes the best decision for his future.
“All these schools have kept in contact with me,” Toodle told On3’s Chad Simmons. “They’ve all come down to visit me — some in-house and some at school — and even some coaches came to my games. I just want to be absolutely certain when choosing a college for the next three to four years.”
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier looks on.
The Florida Gators are among the programs vying for Toodle’s attention. Head coach Billy Napier and his staff have made a strong push to stay in the mix, emphasizing how Toodle could fit into their defensive scheme and develop both on and off the field.
“I’m looking for how these schools can use me in their defenses, and the academic part as well,” Toodle added. “That’s important too — and how I feel they can develop me to be the very best athlete and person I could be.”
Toodle’s visit to Florida will be a key opportunity for the Gators to make their case. The program is looking to bolster its 2026 recruiting class, and landing a talent like Toodle would be a significant win. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility makes him a coveted prospect for any defense.
In addition to Florida, Toodle has visits lined up with North Carolina, Georgia, Baylor, Auburn, and Michigan this spring, followed by official visits to Georgia, Michigan, Auburn, and Baylor in the summer.
While Auburn remains the front-runner, Toodle’s willingness to explore other options keeps the door open for programs like Florida to make a lasting impression. As one of the top linebackers in the 2026 class, his decision will have a major impact on the recruiting landscape.
For now, all eyes are on Gainesville as Toodle prepares to see what the Gators have to offer.