Florida Gators Score Big: Pitcher Rivers Kurland Flips from FSU!

Tampa, Florida, USA - In a surprising turn of events, left-handed pitcher Rivers Kurland has officially committed to the University of Florida, flipping his previous allegiance from Florida State. The announcement came through social media, marking a significant moment for both Kurland and Gator baseball. Rivers is set to join an already notable roster alongside his brother, Cade Kurland, a rising senior infielder and a key player heading into the 2024 season.

Rivers Kurland, hailing from Tampa, Florida, stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs in at 195 pounds. He has made quite a mark at Berkeley Preparatory School, with a stellar high school record that speaks for itself. During the 2024-25 season, Kurland boasted an impressive 7-3 record and an astonishing 0.42 ERA over 14 appearances, according to MaxPreps. His overall career numbers include a solid 27-7 record with a 1.35 ERA in 61 games, complemented by 118 strikeouts against just 25 walks.

Solid Family Legacy

Cade Kurland, Rivers‘ brother, has already made waves as a performer for the Gators, having played 144 games with an impressive .275/.385/.515 slash line, along with 34 home runs and 109 RBIs. The bond between the brothers will surely add an exciting dynamic to the Gators‘ upcoming season. Cade had a challenging 2025 season limited to just 14 games due to a shoulder injury, but he remains a vital asset to the team. His accolades include being named to the 2024 Preseason All-SEC First Team and a recipient of the 2023 Freshman All-American honors.

Rivers’s signing is not just a family affair; it aligns with the Gators’ strategic need for left-handed pitchers following a shortage in last season’s bullpen. The Gators will benefit from Rivers’ skill set, featuring a four-pitch mix that includes a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. His slider has been noted as his primary strikeout pitch, which should add significant depth to Florida’s pitching lineup.

Impressive Statistics

During his senior season, Kurland recorded a striking 118-to-25 strikeout-to-walk ratio and held opponents to a .141 batting average. Beyond his pitching skills, he has shown versatility with a career batting average of .279 across his high school tenure. He achieved notable milestones, such as striking out a total of 118 batters in a single junior season while conceding just 18 walks over 80 innings pitched.

The 2025 recruiting class for the Gators is shaping up nicely, with Rivers Kurland joining 12 high school prospects and five transfers. Key players in this class alongside Rivers include outfielders Brady Harris and Kevin Roberts Jr., shortstop Keaton Neal, and right-handed pitcher Denton Lord. This depth in talent suggests a promising future for the Gators as they build toward a strong season.

In conclusion, the commitment of Rivers Kurland to the Gators is a thrilling development that not only reinforces the team’s pitching prospects but also continues the Kurland family legacy at UF. With both brothers on the same roster, fans can look forward to exciting performances in the seasons to come. The Gators’ prospects appear brighter than ever as they head into the 2025 campaign.

For more in-depth details about Rivers Kurland, check out the reports from 247Sports, Florida Gators, and Gator Country.