Latest news with #WillGriffin
USA Today
12-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Florida football holds tight in ESPN's latest 2026 recruiting rankings
Florida football continues to climb the 2026 recruiting rankings as the summer doldrums set in. Despite the recent lull in action, the Gators find themselves ranked No. 13 in ESPN's latest update — the same spot they occupied in the previous update. While recruiting rankings can be super-volatile, the Orange and Blue have assembled a respectable class that includes 16 pledged prospects with 11 cracking the ESPN 300 — the service's proprietary list of top 300 recruits in a given cycle. Four-star quarterback Will Griffin, out of Tampa (Florida) Jesuit, is the top offensive player among Florida's current commits, while five-star defensive end JaReylan McCoy out of Tupelo (Mississippi) represents the cream of the crop on the defensive side of the line. Here is what ESPN's national recruiting analyst Craig Haubert had to offer on the ranking. What ESPN says about Florida's 2026 recruiting class "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," Haubert begins. "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," he continues. "A late close helped the Gators rise in the past cycle, but they've ascended much earlier this time around with an active summer. In June they added a pair of dynamic pass catchers in Marquez Daniel and Justin Williams, as well as Georgia running back Carsyn Baker. An early but key pickup was QB Will Griffin, who came on board in June 2024. A big-bodied passer with a strong arm and good accuracy, he could eventually be a nice transition from current QB DJ Lagway," Haubert notes. "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," he concludes. ESPN's 2026 college football recruiting class rankings top 25 Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
17-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
A glimpse at Florida football's blue-chip quarterback ahead of 2025 Elite 11 Finals
A glimpse at Florida football's blue-chip quarterback ahead of 2025 Elite 11 Finals The 2025 edition of the Elite 11 Finals — a showcase of 20 soon-to-be high school senior quarterbacks who travel to Los Angeles for three days of competition against other top quarterback talents — kicks off on Tuesday, and the list of participants includes one of Florida football's top-rated prep prospects. Quarterback Will Griffin, a four-star gunslinger out of Tampa (Florida) Jesuit, is one of three Sunshine State products included in the event as well as one of a trio of recruits committed to a Southeastern Conference school. 247Sports' Andrew Ivins provides a quick breakdown of the Gators' future under center ahead of the Elite 11 Finals start. "Enters senior year with 46 varsity starts under his belt, making him one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the class. Built like Tim Tebow, but wants to win more times than not with his arm. Finished regional on a high note as he was lights out in the red zone." Ivins notes that Griffin reminds him most of former Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Hunter Dekkers, who played college from 2020 to 2022 in Ames and signed with the New Orleans Saints after college as an undrafted free agent. 2025 Elite 11 finalists by state California - 3 Texas - 3 Florida - 3 Ohio - 1 Nebraska -1 Indiana - 1 Georgia - 1 Utah - 1 New Jersey - 1 North Carolina - 1 Arizona - 1 Tennessee - 1 2025 Elite 11 finalists by conference committed ACC - 5 SEC - 3 Big Ten - 3 Big 12 - 3 Elite 11 History 16 of the last 17 QBs to win the Heisman Trophy attended Elite 11 finals or regionals The last three Heisman Trophy-winning QBs were Elite 11 finalists Twelve of the last 13 QBs to go No. 1 overall in NFL draft attended Elite 11 finals or regionals Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Florida QB Commit Sends Strong Message to Top Recruits on Visit
Florida QB Commit Sends Strong Message to Top Recruits on Visit originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Florida QB commit Will Griffin spoke during the Gators' official visit weekend. He kept it brief while making sure that his message was clear. Standing in front of the group, he introduced himself and shared a bit about his background. Advertisement Griffin explained how he had a special connection with the place. That connection played a significant role in his early commitment. He made sure the recruits knew why this place mattered to him. Florida Gators head coach Billy NapierMatt Pendleton / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Griffin said, 'It's been a dream to play here, and hopefully we can make that happen.' Griffin let everyone know he was the first to commit. He's been locked in with Florida for over a year. His message was clear. He spoke to the recruits who might still be deciding. No pressure, just a nudge to join him. 'This is the last OV, the most special one, so don't be afraid to commit,' he said. Recruiting reporter Corey Bender shared the moment on social media. Griffin stood in front of the crowd and spoke directly to the recruits. His short speech ended with a simple 'Go Gators'. The setting allowed Griffin to demonstrate his standing within the program. Advertisement Florida is in a critical phase of its recruiting cycle. The staff is looking to lock in commitments, and moments like this help. Getting current commits involved adds a personal touch. Griffin's message wasn't long, but it made the point. He's all in. And he's hoping others in the room will follow his lead. Related: Alabama's Blake Sims Answers QB Concerns With Huge Game Against Florida Related: College Football World Praying For Florida State QB Jordan Travis After Gruesome Injury Related: Elite QB, Former Florida State Commit Reveals Top Four Schools This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
