Florida high school football stars who have fresh start in college

Elite high school recruits get a lot of attention when they sign with a college, but it doesn't always work out as hoped.

Whether it's scheme fit, getting blocked on the depth chart, injuries, coaching changes or something else, some players don't have the impact they'd hoped.

But the transfer portal means that players can look for a fresh start and get another opportunity.

Here are 10 former Florida high school stars — all rated four stars or better as seniors — who will be looking to make an impact at new programs this fall:

RB CJ Baxter, Kentucky

Baxter (Edgewater) was a five-star recruit, the No. 2 running back in the nation and part of a highly rated 2023 Texas signing class that include quarterback Arch Manning and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. After a strong true freshman season, Baxter battled injuries the past two seasons. He'll look to rebound at Kentucky, where he should be the feature back.

CB Jaheim Singletary, Iowa State

Singletary (Riverside) was a five-star recruit and the No. 5 cornerback in the nation in the 2022 class. He signed with Georgia and won a national title as a true freshman but transferred to Arkansas for the past three seasons. He started 12 games during his time at Arkansas and had seven passes defended. He could play a key role for an Iowa State roster than has been rebuilt by new coach Jimmy Rogers.

RB Richard Young, Colorado

Young (Lehigh) was a consensus four-star recruit and No. 5 running back in the nation on the 247Sports composite in 2023 — one spot ahead of Jeremiyah Love, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Young had 59 carries for 234 yards and five touchdowns in three seasons at Alabama. He should get plenty of opportunities at Colorado where he'll be playing for fellow Southwest Florida native Deion Sanders.

S Kamari Wilson, West Virginia

Wilson (IMG, Fort Pierce Westwood) was a four-star recruit and the No. 3 safety in the nation on the 247Sports composite rankings in the 2022 class. He was the top-ranked recruit in Florida's signing class but transferred after his sophomore year. He had limited success at Arizona State in 2024, then had a breakout season at Memphis with 84 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks last season. Wilson should step into a starting role with the Mountaineers.

WR Jaime Ffrench, Michigan

Ffrench (Mandarin) was a four-star recruit and the No. 9 wide receiver in the nation in the 2025 class. He signed with Texas but opted to leave after just one year. He appeared in four games, catching one pass for six yards. Ffrench joins a Michigan program under first year coach Kyle Whittingham and will have four years of eligibility remaining.

WR Joshisa Trader, NC State

Trader (Chaminade-Madonna) was a four-star recruit and the No. 9 wide receiver in the nation in the 2024 class. He signed with the hometown Miami Hurricanes but was limited to 19 catches for 269 yards and two touchdowns in 18 games over two seasons. He's now at NC State, where he is reunited with former Chaminade-Madonna star quarterback CJ Bailey. Trader and Bailey won a pair of state titles together at Chaminade.

LB/EDGE Amaree Williams, Mississippi State

Williams (Benjamin) was the No. 1 athlete in the nation in the 2025 class before he reclassified late in the 2024 cycle. He signed with Florida State, where he played both offense and defense this past season. He had 10 tackles, two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks to go along with two catches and a touchdown last season. Williams transferred to Mississippi State, where he's expected to have a starring role coming off the edge.

WR Ray Ray Joseph, East Carolina

Joseph (Miami Edison) was a four-star recruit and the No. 24 wide receiver in the nation in the 2023 class. He signed with Miami and was expected to make an instant impact as a slot receiver and kick returner. He played in 27 games and caught 14 passes for 135 yards. Joseph now heads to East Carolina. Former Miami quarterback Emory Williams (Milton) also transferred to ECU, so the duo could already have a strong connection.

WR Bryson Rodgers, USF

Rodgers (Wiregrass Ranch) was a four-star recruit and the No. 352 player in the nation on the 247Sports composite in 2023. An Ohio native, he opted to sign with Ohio State in the same class with fellow receivers Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss. In a loaded receiver room, Rodgers caught 11 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown in 20 games. He followed former Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline to USF, where he should get more opportunities with a coach who knows what he can do.

RB Treyaun Webb, Appalachian State

Webb (Trinity Christian) was a four-star recruit and the No. 21 running back in the nation in the 2023 class. He signed with Florida, where he rushed for 254 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. Unfortunately for Webb, he's dealt with injuries over the past two seasons. He missed all of 2025 after surgery to repair a lingering hamstring injury. Webb gets a fresh start at Appalachian State and still has three years of eligibility.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida high school football stars who have fresh start in college