In just 9 days, the nation’s top recruit for 2025 will make his long-awaited decision. Well, on March 31, J’Vari Flowers—who reclassified from 2026—will announce where he’s taking his talents. But before the big reveal, one last visit remains. And here’s where the drama unfolds. Flowers’ recruitment just took a sharp turn, and his father, Diego Flowers, confirmed a shake-up in his visit schedule, with a new powerhouse now in the mix. Originally slated to visit Syracuse this weekend, that plan is officially scrapped; instead, he’s turning his attention to a track meet. As of now, although Miami still holds the final visit spot, with his official trip kicking off Monday, this race isn’t over just yet. With decision day approaching, the stakes are higher than ever.
Back in March 2, J’Vari Flowers has trimmed his list to 6: Florida, Miami, Georgia, Auburn, UNC, and Syracuse. While the race was heating up, every program was making a strong push. Miami’s Mario Cristobal holds the hometown edge, while Billy Napier’s Gators have surged despite scholarship constraints. So, with SEC powerhouses in the mix, Flowers’ decision is shaping up to be one of the biggest storylines of the cycle. But here’s the curveball—Marcus Freeman is now a factor, and suddenly, Cristobal and Napier are on high alert. Looks like a non-SEC team is poised to pull off a shocking steal.
On March 22, Rivals.com revealed a key twist in J’Vari Flowers’ recruitment. The Under Armour All-American quietly took an unofficial visit to Georgia on February 1. And that move reshaped his plans, leading him to reschedule last weekend’s official visit, while shifting his focus to Notre Dame. Well, the Fighting Irish are now firmly in the mix, and his first impressions in South Bend were nothing short of promising. Right now, with his elite speed as a CB and return specialist, Flowers is a game-changer. That’s why programs from all angles see the value—whether it’s a rebuilding squad like UNC or a title contender like Notre Dame.
And why not? J’Vari Flowers isn’t just a lockdown corner—he’s a blur on the track. Well, as a sophomore, he proved his speed by winning the Florida 3A state title in the 100-meter dash. But he didn’t stop there, Flowers anchored a gold medal-winning 4×400 relay team and took silver in the 200. So, that elite speed translates directly to the field. And as a tenth grader, he racked up 37 tackles, and a clutch interception. Right now, whether it’s locking down receivers or burning past defenders, Safe to say, Flowers is a potential asset for any program in every sense.
While there’s plenty of confidence close to home, Notre Dame’s late push shouldn’t be overlooked. The Irish made a strong impression, and South Bend’s pull is stronger than it first seemed.
The race to recruit J’Vari Flowers
Flowers’ recruitment has been a whirlwind, with visits locked in and moving fast—UNC on March 3, Tigers on March 6, Gators on March 10, Bulldogs on March 17, Syracuse on March 21, and Hurricanes closing it out on March 24. Although the schedule has changed, Auburn felt confident after his visit. Meanwhile, UNC still lingers as a factor, keeping Chapel Hill in the mix. And then there’s Miami—the hometown powerhouse—getting the final word.
Although for Flowers these visits will be crucial, according to On3’s Chad Simmons, no teams have more on the line than Cristobal and Napier. “Miami, the school that’s in his backyard, the school he’s visited the most… that program has made him a priority. He’s a personal guy that Mario Cristobal is very involved in,” said Simmons. Then, Florida has been just as aggressive, pushing hard to land Flowers.
As of now, with the SEC and non-SEC battle, J’Vari Flowers’ recruitment trail is getting interesting.
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