Billy Napier is wasting no time this summer. With official visits set to launch Friday, the Florida Gators staff is kicking off a month-long blitz aimed at flipping momentum both on the recruiting trail and inside the locker room. Napier’s staff, known for its meticulous planning, has loaded the calendar with visits from some of the top talents in the Class of 2026. This isn’t just a recruiting cycle—it’s a pivotal stretch that could reshape Florida’s short- and long-term future. For a program walking the line between potential and pressure, this month feels like a turning point. Napier knows it, and he’s dialed into full attack mode—on both sides of the ball.

The buzz began earlier this week with Steve Wiltfong hinting that Florida’s push for two top-tier visitors this weekend could mark a shift. OL Ekene Ogboko and RB Carsyn Baker. “Gators looking to continue their ascension in the recruitment for Luke Wafle. Couple key On300 recruits,” he said. “Ekene Ogboko is an offensive lineman. Carsyn Baker, four-star running back.” Both are among the most sought-after prospects in the class, and while the Gators are in the mix, they’re playing catch-up.

“Ekene Ogboko, I’m hearing more smoke around Georgia and Notre Dame. Carson Baker, my prediction’s on Ohio State right now,” Wiltfong added, suggesting Florida has ground to make up. But as he also reminded, “We know that Florida can make attractive pitches on and off the field for these guys.” That last part is key.

There’s momentum brewing in Gainesville—and a lot of it centers around five-star QB1 DJ Lagway. The Gators aim to leverage the attention around Lagway to pull top-tier recruits. “There’s a lot of excitement around DJ Lagway in this season. You’re seeing Florida in some top tens,” Wiltfong noted. “Do you have Florida in the top 10 coming into the season? I don’t know if I do, but I do have the arrow up on the Gator.” Wiltfong didn’t stop there. “They closed a hell of a recruiting class last year. We know they’re going to make some moves with some guys this year, and they’re certainly going to try this weekend,” he added.

But it’s not just about Ogboko and Baker. The Gators are bracing for a wave of other key names, starting with four-star defensive end Luke Wafle. Wafle, who visited campus earlier this spring, is one of the top defensive prospects in the nation, and Florida is doing everything it can to stay in the race. He’s a long-term defensive chess piece Billy Napier would love to drop into his front seven.

Beyond him, the Gators are zeroed in on bolstering their offensive line and skill positions with high-ceiling athletes. Two OLs sit atop Florida’s board this weekend. One is Felix Ojo, who was on campus this spring and came away impressed enough to book a return trip. He’s considered a Texas lean, but Michigan and Ohio State are also in pursuit. Florida needs a great visit to get in that group of schools, but the Gators are at least getting a shot. And that shot is exactly what Billy Napier and his crew are aiming to convert into traction.

At wideout, all eyes are on Calvin Russell, who’s considered one of the top five receivers in the country. The Gators are trailing Florida State, LSU, and Miami in that race, with Oregon lurking too. But this weekend is pivotal. Billy Gonzales has been the main recruiter for Russell so far, and this weekend is a chance for him to get to know everyone else on the staff. With elite prospects and national eyes hovering, the Gators have the pitch.

Billy Napier hits the defensive switch

After turning heads with an aggressive offensive push, Billy Napier is flipping the script and locking in on the defensive side. This weekend, the Swamp will be crawling with elite defenders, and the Gators are hoping to make a serious impression.

DE Luke Waffle, who already made a spring visit to Gainesville and walked away impressed. Flying in from Cleveland is DL Jamir Perez, a rising star who just picked up an offer from the Gators two weeks ago. Now he’s making the trek down south to see what the buzz in Gainesville is all about. This will be Perez’s first trip to Florida, and it’s a big opportunity for Napier’s staff to lay the groundwork.

Meanwhile, DB Chauncey Kennon is no stranger to campus. The Sarasota standout has already built a strong bond with Deron Wilson, and will return for yet another visit. Auburn, Florida State, and Miami are in the hunt, but Florida’s familiarity could be key.