Billy Napier hit the ground running in Gainesville, but his first two seasons yielded a rocky 11-14 record. And then the wheels fall off early with a disastrous 2024 campaign, featuring a humiliating home-opening loss to Miami, their first home opener loss since 1989, and a program-worst 41-point defeat. Despite a brutal schedule and inconsistent play, the Gators clawed to an 8-5 finish. Now, this season, buoyed by a top-10 recruiting class (27 commits), Napier aims for improvement. However, the 2026 recruiting cycle demands more attention, and it looks like Napier is finally rolling up his sleeves.

2025 might look promising for the Gators with key players like DJ Lagway, Brendan Bett, Kofi Asare, and many more. But Napier’s 2026 recruiting class is in a serious roster squeeze. How? UF just has one commitment from QB Will Griffin, and that’s really not a great takeaway.

However, it looks like Napier can finally catch a breath as On3 Recruits’ Steve Wiltfong dives into some major recruiting haul that the team is going through. “They’re starting to pick up their speed. They got five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo back for a second time this calendar year. Texas is where my three RPM are at Ohio State. I view them as the biggest threat, but he had a great time in Florida earlier this spring and is excited to get back and get another look at the Gators,” Wiltfong said.

Well, this Lake Ridge 5-star OT Felix Ojo can be a total game changer for Billy Napier’s program. And his Navy Army All-American Bowl game performance showed his consistent streak in pads as he stood out with a 6’6, 272 lbs physique and athleticism, despite being the youngest in the event. Also, he seems pretty impressed by UF, as he said, “I mean, it’s the first time ever in Florida, so it’s a very beautiful place. I mean, the campus is great, and the facilities are top-tier. I liked really watching the spring game and seeing them get after it; it was a great experience and all.” But Texas is still right at the top with a 100% crystal ball prediction. So, the competition is tough.

But don’t sleep on the fact that they are also targeting two more clutch performers: running back Carsyn Baker and OL Ekene Ogboko. “Couple key on 300 recruits Ekene Ogboco is an offensive lineman. Carsyn Baker four-star running back. Ekene Ogboco I’m hearing more smoke around Georgia, Notre Dame Carsyn Baker my predictions on Ohio State right now, but we’ll see what happens with these visits. We know that Florida can make attractive pitches on and off the field for these guys,” Wiltfong said.

Ogboko excels for South Garner HS, starting at left tackle and leading the defense with 60 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, and 2 forced fumbles. Baker shines in track and field, running a wind-aided 10.65-second 100m dash and consistently breaking 11 seconds in spring 2024. Both display immense potential, attracting Coach Napier’s attention as future stars. However, translating potential into performance isn’t guaranteed, and Napier’s approach might fall short.

Billy Napier’s Gators rebuild at risk

Look, we all know Billy Napier’s 2026 class stands on shaky ground. But despite that, this week, Billy Napier’s recent win was 4-star edge rusher Luke Wafle’s visit, but securing him remains uncertain. Corey Benders of Gators Online stated: “When I look at the official visit list, I think he’s one guy that’s probably the least likely, just in my opinion. His brother plays at Penn State. You have all these other big schools on his list. He’s another kid who has a lot of OVs in his calendar coming up.” This insider perspective suggests Florida faces long odds.

Even Wiltfong names him as playmaker that can add value to Billy Napier’s 2026 class, “Same thing applies for the number one ranked recruit in New Jersey Luke Wafle who was on campus earlier in the spring I think Penn State Ohio State and Texas are setting the tone in his recruitment but USC and Florida have kind of rose up following spring visits and Florida gets them back pretty quickly.” This, EDGE player hails from Hun School (Middletown, NJ) and his 6’5.5, 245lbs structure is what making him a more reliable option. But then again, as per On3’s prediction, Penn State still sits at top with 25.4%  and Ohio State with 10.7% possibility of landing him.

Luke Wafle’s family connections offer Florida some familiarity; his dad, David, was roommates with Florida offensive analyst Steve Spurrier Jr. at Duke. “So there’s some familiarity there. They like the culture that Billy Napier’s instilling on campus,” explained analyst Bender. However, he added a sobering assessment: “But when you look at the big picture, especially with all these other schools slated to get OVs after Florida, I think it’s a pretty big long shot.” This is tough for Gator fans, as recruiting intensifies.

Wafle’s talent is undeniable—53 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and eight sacks as a junior. At 6’5.5″, 245 pounds, he’s exactly what Florida needs. But he’s already scheduled official visits to Ohio State (May 30), Penn State (June 6), Texas (June 20), and USC (TBA). Florida needs a strong showing during his visit. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s recruiting juggernaut continues, forcing Florida to act quickly.