Tristin Gaines, currently ranked as the nation’s No. 9 quarterback in the class of 2028 by 247Sports, is gearing up to announce his top schools as his recruitment intensifies. After a standout season where he amassed over 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, Gaines is taking part in various competitive events, including The Sevens in Atlanta, Georgia.
During a recent conversation with Caleb Sisk from College Football HQ, Gaines shared insights into his recruitment journey and the schools that are currently capturing his attention. “It’s going really good. There are lots of recruitments picking up right now, and it is just a blessing,” Gaines explained, reflecting on the growing interest from colleges.
As he evaluates his options, several programs stand out to him. “Some of the schools standing out for me include Tennessee, Texas Tech, Houston, SMU, and Baylor. Those are the top ones for me right now,” he stated. While these schools are at the forefront of his mind, Gaines acknowledges that others may also enter the mix as his recruitment progresses.
Visiting campuses is a crucial step for Gaines, who has already scheduled trips to several schools this offseason, including a noteworthy visit to the Florida Gators. “I have some planned out at this moment. Tennessee, Houston, Texas Tech, and Florida are the ones I have scheduled,” Gaines said. He expressed that a successful visit could elevate Florida’s standing in his recruitment.
Gaines elaborated on what he seeks during these visits, emphasizing the importance of understanding the culture at each institution. “What I am looking to see is the culture at these schools, also how they coach at the schools, especially how they coach the quarterbacks,” he noted. He is particularly interested in how programs develop quarterbacks early in their careers.
As the recruitment process evolves, Gaines is aware that he will eventually need to narrow down his choices. While he does not have a specific timetable for cutting schools, he remains optimistic about making decisions soon. “Hopefully, I will soon,” he concluded.
With his impressive performance and growing interest from elite programs, Tristin Gaines is poised to make a significant impact in the world of college football. As he navigates his recruitment journey, the football community will be watching closely to see which schools will emerge as frontrunners.
