Defensive back Onis Konanbanny flipped his commitment from Tennessee to the Florida Gators on Tuesday afternoon.
In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape, four-star cornerback Onis Konanbanny has flipped his commitment from the Tennessee Volunteers to the Florida Gators. This unexpected decision has left fans and analysts buzzing, as Konanbanny was previously considered a cornerstone of Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class.
A Journey Across Continents
Born in France to parents from the Ivory Coast, Konanbanny’s early life was a tapestry of diverse cultural experiences. He spent his childhood in France before moving to London, where he developed a passion for soccer. It wasn’t until his teenage years that he was introduced to American football, a sport that would eventually become his primary focus. In 2020, seeking greater opportunities, he relocated to the United States, enrolling at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Georgia. Later, he transferred to Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, South Carolina, where his football talents began to garner national attention.
The Initial Commitment to Tennessee
In August 2024, after a series of official visits to programs including Florida State, LSU, North Carolina, and Utah, Konanbanny announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee. The decision was celebrated by the Volunteers’ community, as he was the 24th commitment in their 2025 class, which was shaping up to be one of their strongest in recent years. Konanbanny cited the familial atmosphere and the genuine relationships he had built with the Tennessee coaching staff as significant factors in his decision.
Florida’s Persistent Pursuit
Despite his commitment to Tennessee, the Florida Gators remained undeterred in their pursuit of Konanbanny. In late November 2024, he attended a Florida home game against Ole Miss, where the Gators secured a notable victory. During this visit, Konanbanny was seen with Florida quarterback commit Tramell Jones Jr., further fueling speculation about a potential flip.
The Flip
As the early signing period approached in December 2024, rumors intensified about Konanbanny’s wavering commitment. On December 4, he announced that he would delay his signing, a move that often precedes a change in commitment. Shortly thereafter, multiple recruiting analysts, including Steve Wiltfong and Chad Simmons of On3 Sports, predicted that Konanbanny would flip to Florida. These predictions proved accurate when Konanbanny officially decommitted from Tennessee and pledged his allegiance to the Florida Gators.
Impact on Tennessee and Florida
For Tennessee, losing a prospect of Konanbanny’s caliber was a significant blow. He was the highest-rated cornerback in their 2025 class and was expected to make an immediate impact in their secondary. His departure prompted the Volunteers’ coaching staff to intensify their efforts to secure other defensive back prospects to fill the void.
Conversely, Florida’s acquisition of Konanbanny was a major coup. His versatility and athleticism make him a valuable addition to the Gators’ defense. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 180 pounds, Konanbanny possesses the ideal frame for a cornerback, coupled with the speed and agility honed from his soccer background. His international upbringing and late introduction to American football suggest that his best football is still ahead of him, making him an exciting prospect for Florida fans.
Looking Ahead
Konanbanny’s flip underscores the unpredictable nature of college football recruiting. As programs vie for top talent, commitments can be fluid, influenced by various factors ranging from coaching relationships to program trajectories. For Konanbanny, the decision to join the Florida Gators represents the next chapter in a unique and inspiring journey from the soccer fields of Europe to the gridirons of the Southeastern Conference.
