The race for one of the most electrifying wide receivers in the 2025 class is heating up, and it’s coming down to a classic Southeastern showdown. Four-star pass catcher Malik Benton, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound game-changer out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has officially trimmed his list of suitors to three college football powerhouses: Florida State, Florida, and Georgia.
Benton, ranked among the top 25 wide receivers in the nation and a consensus top-150 overall recruit, announced his final three programs in a social media post that immediately sent shockwaves through the recruiting world. The Sunshine State native is not only one of the most talented receivers in the cycle, but his decision could tilt the scales in what has already become an intense battle between three programs with rich histories and championship aspirations.
The final three announcement has long been in the making, as Benton has been methodical in his recruiting process. Known for his crisp route running, explosive acceleration, and ability to high-point the football in contested situations, Benton has drawn comparisons to current NFL receivers and generated offers from over two dozen Division I programs. However, after taking numerous unofficial visits, attending spring games, and building relationships with coaching staffs, Benton has decided to move forward with a tightly contested final group — one that promises drama and excitement until the very end.
Florida State, led by head coach Mike Norvell, has made Benton a top priority since the beginning of his junior year. The Seminoles have been surging on the recruiting trail following a return to national prominence and a season that put them back into playoff contention. FSU wide receivers coach Ron Dugans has built a particularly strong bond with Benton and his family, laying out a vision that includes early playing time, a featured role in the offense, and development within a system that emphasizes vertical threats and playmaking ability.
Benton’s connection with Florida State runs deep. His older cousin, Marcus Green, was a defensive back for the Seminoles in the early 2000s, and Benton has often spoken about growing up watching FSU games with his family. That familiarity, combined with Florida State’s recent offensive success and NFL pipeline, has positioned the Seminoles as a legitimate contender in the homestretch of his recruitment.
“I’ve been up to Tallahassee a few times now, and every time I go, I feel like I’m at home,” Benton said recently. “Coach Norvell is building something real up there. The energy is different, and they’ve shown me I can be a key piece to what they’re doing.”
Not to be outdone, Florida has also made a strong impression. The Gators, under the direction of Billy Napier, have undergone a full-scale roster overhaul and are aggressively pursuing in-state talent in hopes of returning to SEC dominance. Gainesville has always been a prime destination for top-tier Florida prospects, and Benton is no exception.
The Gators’ offensive staff, led by wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales and offensive coordinator Rob Sale, have emphasized the need for a go-to playmaker in the slot and on the boundary. With several receivers set to graduate in the coming seasons, the opportunity for early playing time is evident. Florida’s pitch to Benton has been centered around being “the guy” from day one.
“Florida is a place where I could really shine,” Benton noted. “They’ve made it clear they want to build around players like me. The facilities are top-notch, the fan base is crazy passionate, and I’ve had some great conversations with Coach Napier about what they’re building.”
The wildcard in Benton’s final three is Georgia — the reigning SEC juggernaut and two-time national champion under Kirby Smart. While the Bulldogs may not have the same regional ties as Florida State or Florida, their recent track record of developing NFL-ready talent across all positions has kept them in the thick of this battle. Georgia’s offense has evolved significantly in recent years, blending physicality with explosiveness and opening up more opportunities for wideouts to showcase their skills.
Receivers coach Bryan McClendon has been relentless in his pursuit of Benton, frequently visiting the four-star’s high school and hosting him for a major visit during Georgia’s spring game. While Georgia already boasts a loaded receiver room, the Bulldogs have sold Benton on the idea of learning from the best, competing every day, and being a part of a culture of excellence.
“Georgia is about championships,” Benton said. “Everything they do is about winning. From the weight room to the classroom to the field, they don’t cut corners. That’s the kind of place I could see myself growing into a complete player.”
As Benton inches closer to his commitment date — which he says will likely come in late July or early August — the decision is becoming increasingly difficult. Each of the three finalists offers something unique: Florida State presents a familiar atmosphere and a chance to become a foundational player in a program that’s resurging; Florida offers immediate impact potential and a strong local brand; and Georgia brings championship pedigree and elite-level competition.
Recruiting experts have been split on predicting where Benton will ultimately land. Some believe his family ties and comfort level with Florida State will be too strong to overcome, while others think Florida’s emphasis on his role and closeness to home will win out. Still, there’s growing confidence out of Athens that Georgia could pull off the upset if Benton prioritizes development and a winning culture over everything else.
One recruiting analyst summed it up best: “Benton is the type of player who changes the entire dynamic of a class. Whichever school gets him isn’t just adding a great wide receiver — they’re adding a tone-setter, a leader, and a guy who can flip field position with a single play.”
Beyond the on-field fit, Benton has also taken into consideration the relationships he’s built with each school’s current commits and players. He’s spoken with quarterbacks at all three programs, evaluating not just how he’d fit in the offense, but also who would be throwing him the football. It’s no secret that elite receivers want to be paired with strong quarterbacks, and Benton has acknowledged the importance of chemistry in those dynamics.
“I’m looking at everything,” he said. “How I’d be used, who I’d be playing with, how the coaches develop players, what life is like off the field. This is a decision that impacts the next three or four years of my life — maybe more — so I’m taking it seriously.”
Benton is expected to take official visits to each of his final three schools in June, which will likely be the final step before his public commitment. Those visits will allow him to sit in on film sessions, spend time with players and coaches, and get a feel for day-to-day life in each program. While he remains tight-lipped on which way he’s leaning, those around him say his mind is still open and that each visit could prove pivotal.
“June is going to be the month that really decides it,” a source close to Benton said. “He wants to be 100 percent sure. These last few visits aren’t just about hype. They’re about substance.”
As the clock ticks down, fans from Tallahassee to Gainesville to Athens are keeping a close watch on every tweet, every quote, and every appearance Benton makes. His final choice could have ripple effects that extend well beyond one position group or recruiting cycle. Wide receivers of his caliber don’t come around often, and securing his signature on National Signing Day would provide a major boost of momentum — and bragging rights — for whichever program wins out.
Benton has shown maturity throughout his recruitment, rarely engaging in drama or stringing coaches along. He’s kept his circle small, leaned on his family and mentors, and approached the process with humility and focus. That level-headedness is part of what makes him such a coveted prospect — not just for his production, but for the leadership and professionalism he brings to the table.
“I’ve been blessed to have options,” Benton said. “Now it’s about finding the right home. I want to go somewhere that’s going to push me to be the best version of myself — on and off the field.”
Where that place ends up being is still up in the air, but one thing is certain: Whether it’s in garnet and gold, orange and blue, or red and black, Malik Benton is poised to be a star. The countdown is on. The Sunshine Showdown is nearing its climax. And the college football world is watching.
