After days of speculation, it’s official. Clemson has missed on running back target Andrew Beard.

The four-star back out of Prince Avenue Christian (GA), announced a commitment to Florida on Friday, choosing the Gators over Clemson, Tennessee and Georgia.

The 5-foot-10, 198-pound prospect believes new head coach Jon Sumrall is building something special in Gainesville, and he wants to be a part of it.

“Just Coach Sumrall’s fire and energy,” Beard told The Clemson Insider. “The ability to bring a team back to national championship contention. Florida has been down in the dumps recently, but I feel like they have a strong class coming in, and that will be something special.”

Beard was originally planning to give each of his finalists an official visit, but last week, he announced rather abruptly that he was ready to shut things down. Florida will now be the only school that gets an official.

“They are filling up fast,” Beard said. “With the transfer portal, it is just so crazy in college football right now. So, I want to go somewhere that I am really locked in and secure, where I am comfortable in that decision.”

Beard picked up his offer from the Tigers in January, but had been on the radar much longer than that.

As a junior, the 5-foot-10, 192-pound back rushed for close to 1,300 yards, with 13 touchdowns. He went over 100 yards six times and averaged 7.8 yards per carry. He also reeled in 31 receptions for 450 yards, with five touchdown grabs.

247 ranks Beard No. 163 overall and No. 8 among all running backs in the 2027 class.

That leaves four-star Gary Walker (Creekside, GA) as the only uncommitted running back to currently hold an offer from Clemson. He is slated to attend the big official visit weekend, May 29-31.