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ESPN spotlights Florida's summer success in recruiting

79417-removebg-preview (1)by: Corey Bender07/23/25Corey_Bender
Marquez Daniel
(Gators commits Will Griffin and Marquez Daniel)

Billy Napier and the Florida Gators have been making serious noise on the 2026 recruiting trail. After finishing strong in the last cycle, Florida has jumped out to an earlier surge this time around and ESPN took notice. In its updated class rankings, ESPN has the Gators at No. 12 nationally thanks to a wave of summer commitments and a 5-star anchor on defense.

At On3, Florida currently holds the No. 13 spot due to a strong mix of blue-chip talent and developmental upside. Regardless of outlet, it’s clear the Gators are trending up heading into the fall.

“Landing one of the top defenders in the country is the fastest way to climb the recruiting rankings, and that’s exactly what Billy Napier did by securing five-star defensive end JaReylan McCoy. Ranked No. 9 overall and the second-best defender in the ESPN 300, McCoy would be Florida’s highest-rated defensive signee in more than a decade,” ESPN wrote on Wednesday.

“The 6-foot-7, 260-pound Mississippi native brings elite length, explosive traits and a relentless motor that was on full display at the Under Armour All-America week in January. Beating out LSU and Texas for McCoy marks a major recruiting win for Napier, and McCoy has the potential to develop into one of the SEC’s most feared defensive linemen.”

Offensive firepower building around Will Griffin

The Gators have been aggressive across the board this summer. In June alone, Florida landed several top targets on offense, including wide receivers Marquez Daniel and Justin Williams and running back Carsyn Baker. Each brings playmaking ability and versatility to a class that continues to fill needs at skill positions.

“A late close helped the Gators rise in the past cycle, but they’ve ascended much earlier this time around with an active summer,” ESPN added. “In June they added a pair of dynamic pass catchers in Marquez Daniel and Justin Williams, as well as Georgia running back Carsyn Baker.”

Quarterback Will Griffin, who committed in June 2024, remains a cornerstone of the class. The Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit product has been on board for over a year and continues to earn recognition as one of top quarterbacks nationally.

“A big-bodied passer with a strong arm and good accuracy, he could eventually be a nice transition from current QB DJ Lagway,” ESPN said of Griffin.

Building quality depth in the trenches

The Gators have also stayed focused on both sides of the trenches. While several of commits players fall just outside its ESPN 300 rankings, they offer important upside and depth moving forward.

“Napier’s staff has also bolstered both lines of scrimmage with several high-upside prospects ranked just outside the ESPN 300, adding critical depth as Florida looks to reassert itself in the SEC.”

As we head into August, Florida’s 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the strongest since Napier arrived in Gainesville. If the Gators can sustain this momentum into the fall, a top-10 finish will be within reach.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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