Florida Gators HC Billy Napier locks in high-profile visit with elite 2026 defender
The 2026 recruiting cycle for the Florida Gators hasn’t gotten off to the strongest start so far. The Gators only have two commitments in the class so far in four-star quarterback Will Griffin and three-star safety Devin Jackson. They lost four-star cornerback Jaelen Waters after they moved on from defensive backs coach Will Harris , who went to the Miami Hurricanes.
Despite only having two commits in the class, the Gators aren’t slowing down in terms of recruiting. They are hard on the recruiting trail trying to find the next great Gator.
Florida Gators secure visit from elite linebacker
The Gators have been locking in visits during the offseason with top flight recruits and that has continued on Tuesday.
Four-star linebacker Izayia Williams out of Leesburg, Florida has decided to make six official visits this summer with the Gators being fourth on the list on June 13th. Here is the full list of visits for Williams per On3 Sports.
- Penn State: May 17-19
- Georgia: May 30
- Alabama: June 6
- Florida: June 13
- Colorado: June 17
- Florida State: June 20
Williams right now is On3 Sports’ 40th-ranked prospect and number two linebacker in the 2026 recruiting class. He spoke highly about the Gators, including being a fan since he was a kid.
“Florida is an in-state school. I’ve always been a fan since I was younger and they are on a great rebuild right now.”
Williams currently holds a 97% prediction by On3 Sports, with Gainesville just 68 miles away from his hometown. During his recruiting process, he’s also taken three unofficial visits: one in March, one in July, and the last one in January. The Gators have been working hard on the recruiting process, and it’s paying dividends, with recruits coming in for visits.
Napier’s next step is to close the deal on these guys, but there is plenty of time until early signing day in December.
