It looks like there might be some confusion—there haven’t been any verified reports of the “No. 1 player in America” choosing the Florida Gators over Tennessee, Notre Dame, and Louisville. Most credible sources point elsewhere (for example, Alabama or Florida State) (dsvsports.com).
However, Walter Clayton Jr. did make a remarkable decision years ago—turning down football offers from top programs like Tennessee, Notre Dame, Georgia, and even Florida itself (as a safety) to pursue basketball. He eventually chose Iona, then transferred to Florida, where he became a national champion and Final Four Most Outstanding Player )As a sophomore in Lake Wales, Florida, Clayton stood out as a 6′3″, 195 lb safety/athlete on the football field.
- He was heavily recruited by programs such as Tennessee, Notre Dame, Georgia, and Florida .
- But his real passion was basketball—and he turned down those football offers to stick with hoops (expressnews.com)
- With limited Power 5 basketball attention, Clayton signed with Iona under legendary coach Rick Pitino (expressnews.com).
- Despite a rocky start—Pitino reportedly called him “fat, slow, and can’t shoot”—Clayton was undeterred, earning All-MAAC honors in his sophomore year (expressnews.com).
- After Pitino left Iona, Clayton transferred to Florida, drawn by family and a shot in Power 5 hoops (expressnews.com).
- In his first season with the Gators, he averaged 17.6 PPG and earned Second-Team All-SEC honors, helping them reach the SEC title game and NCAA Tournament .
- The 2024–25 season saw him average ~17 PPG, 4.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and help Florida to a 27–4 record—the team’s best in 11 years (en.wikipedia.org).
- He hit clutch shots all season long, including against No. 1 Tennessee and Auburn on the road (en.wikipedia.org).
- His performance earned him First-Team All-SEC and consensus First-Team All-America honors (expressnews.com).
5. Final Four heroics
- In the Elite Eight and Final Four, Clayton put up monster performances (30+ points) — something no Gator had done since Larry Bird in 1979 (expressnews.com).
- He exploded for 34 points in the Final Four—hitting key threes and a three-point play late to seal the win (expressnews.com).
6. National champion & Most Outstanding Player
- In the NCAA Championship against Houston, Clayton made the game-winning defensive stop and played with poise, helping Florida secure its first men’s basketball title since 2007 (en.wikipedia.org).
- He was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player (expressnews.com).
- His story ticks all the box-office drama: top high school football recruit → basketball love → journey through mid-major → national champion.
- Mentions of Tennessee and Notre Dame in his early football recruitment may have led to confusion with a hypothetical No. 1 football recruit choosing Florida (sporttoday.co.uk).
- But there’s no current No. 1 football recruit making that choice.
Clayton’s refusal of lucrative football offers in favor of basketball speaks to choosing what ignites you—despite financial incentives and fame.
Pitino’s early critique didn’t deter him: he used it to fuel his growth, evolving from a “late bloomer” into an elite shooter.
His move to Iona showcased opportunity—even outside marquee programs. When Power 5 interest arrived, he seized it.
Clutch performances—especially under pressure in NCAA play—highlighted his composure.
As the hero of Florida’s championship run, he provided fans with a historic moment that’s rare in college sports.
- ~2018 (Sophomore) – Recruited by major football programs; chooses basketball .
- 2021–23 – Plays two seasons at Iona, named MAAC POY as a sophomore (en.wikipedia.org).
- April 2023 – Transfers to Florida .
- 2023–24 season – Averages 17.6 PPG at Florida; Second‑Team All‑SEC (en.wikipedia.org).
- April 2024 – Declares NBA draft; withdraws and returns for senior year (en.wikipedia.org).
- 2025 senior season – Averaged ~17 PPG, beats top‑ranked teams, named First‑Team All‑SEC/All‑America .
- March/April 2025 – Elite Eight and Final Four heroics, culminating in national championship victory & MOP award .
- There is no credible report of a current No.1 overall football recruit committing to Florida over Tennessee, Notre Dame, and Louisville.
- But, Walter Clayton Jr. is a top-tier athlete who chose Florida over football opportunities, overcoming long odds to lead the Gators to a NCAA title.
- His story is compelling and layered: passion > prestige, resilience, and clutch performance under the bright lights.
