After stringing together some wins to end the season, the Florida Gators’ recruiting has been on fire. Florida went from a class ranked in the 50s to a top 12 class in mere weeks. Thanks to Coach Napier feeling a sense of job security, the Gators’ recruiting has ramped up considerably. The last few weeks, it felt like there was a new commit every other day. With the Gators showing success with a young roster, the recruiting pitch was made easier. Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway did his part as well, taking to social media. One of the best freshmen in the country, the future looks bright in Gainesville. After the early signing day period, they sit at number 11 in the composite rankings. Despite missing out on some 5-stars, they hold a talented class. With many players hoping to compete for early playing time, these are some names to watch.
Vernell Brown III
The highest-rated commit in the class, Vernell Brown III is ranked as a 5-star on the 247Sports Composite. A top 35 player in the country, he is labeled as the eighth-best receiver. Committing to the Gators back in July, he stayed strong throughout the season. Despite the 1-2 record early on, he never wavered on his pledge. With Florida losing receivers Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger, there is an open path to early playing time. A legacy in Gainesville, both his father and grandfather played for the Gators. During the 2023 high school season, he caught 70 passes for 1,363 yards and 10 touchdowns. Showing some special teams prowess, he returned three punts for touchdowns. A talented playmaker, Brown has the opportunity to play early and often for the Gators.
Hylton Stubbs
A late flip to the Gators, Hylton Stubbs was previously committed to the Miami Hurricanes. Committing back in July, he didn’t flip to the Gators until December 2nd. A safety out of Jacksonville, Florida, he is ranked as a 4-star prospect. A top-60 player and a top-five safety, he was a crucial commitment for the Gators. Although a young secondary, there is still a chance for him to make plays early. With 97 tackles and six interceptions in 2023, Stubbs is a magnet to the football. Listed at 6-1 and 190 pounds, he has the ideal frame for a safety. Look for Stubbs to make his mark on this team early, whether it be at safety or on special teams.
Lagonza Hayward
Another safety for this 2025 class, Lagonza Hayward committed to the Gators on signing day. Previously committed to the Tennessee Volunteers, Hayward decided to flip. Ranked as a top 75 player in the country, he is tabbed as the number nine safety. Coming to Gainesville via Lyons, Georgia, Hayward is another premier prospect. With two blue-chip safeties, this secondary is in great shape. Hayward and Stubbs should be instant contributors on a secondary that has come on as of late. After starting slow, the Florida defensive back room has been one of the strengths of this team. Hayward should be able to learn from this group and shine sooner rather than later.
Jayden Woods
Another late flip to the Gators, Jayden Woods was committed to the Penn State Nittany Lions since June. Flipping to Florida on November 29th, this edge rusher has a chance to compete for early playing time. A top 130 player and top ten edge, Woods is from Shawnee, Kansas. Recording 71 tackles and ten tackles for loss in 2023, he wreaks havoc on opposing offenses. With Florida losing some edge talent to the portal and the draft, Woods should slide in nicely. Leaders Jack Pyburn and Tyreak Sapp are expected to return, giving Woods a chance to learn from some veterans. With the Gators rotating plenty, Woods could even crack the initial rotation in his freshman season.
Byron Louis
A running back from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Byron Louis was one of the first major flips. Flipping from FSU to Florida on November 26th, Louis has been active on social media. Doing his best to recruit other players to the Swamp, he is already becoming a fan favorite. A top 250 player, Louis joins Chad Gasper and Waltez Clark as running backs committed to the Gators. Already a deep rotation, Florida values the running back position highly. Rushing for 1224 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2023, Louis is a power runner. Listed at 5-11 and 200 pounds, he could be a true workhorse in the future. However, with such a deep running back room, Louis will most likely be playing more on special teams next season.
Final Thoughts
Only a few short months ago, the Gators had a low-ranked class and were struggling to close on recruits. Despite missing out on a couple of high 5-stars on Wednesday, Florida has still been a winner. Clawing their way back up to a top 12 class, they are building momentum towards the future. With top players ready to compete for early minutes, Napier’s vision is finally starting to take form. After some struggles in the first couple of seasons, it appears that Napier may finally be turning a corner. With an impressive 2025 recruiting class, the future appears bright for Napier and the Florida Gators.
