Florida sneaks into ESPN's top 2025 classes after recent recruiting coup

Florida football’s recruiting efforts in the 2025 cycle had been floundering a bit but a commitment from blue-chip, double-legacy wide receiver Vernell Brown III has finally moved the dial for the Gators.

The pass-catcher out of Orlando (Florida) Jones chose the Gators over the Florida State Seminoles, Miami Hurricanes and Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday afternoon. His decision to follow his family’s footsteps was welcomed with warm arms by members of the school, media and fanbase alike.

On Tuesday, ESPN staff writer Craig Haubert updated his 2025 college football recruiting class rankings to reflect recent events, moving the Orange and Blue into the top 40 at No. 38. He offered some positive notes on the work that the program has put in.

“The Gators navigated a turbulent 2024 recruiting cycle to still finish with a top-10 class,” Haubert begins. “Looking to return the program to the national title hunt, Billy Napier is still working to add more impact talent to the roster.”

Florida on defense

“(Jalen) Wiggins was a key in-state keep, pulling him out of rival Florida State’s backyard,” Haubert continues.

“He is an aggressive DL with excellent length and good initial quickness and range. He has shown he can be tough to handle, recording 16 sacks and more than 30 TFLs as a junior.”

Florida on offense

“On offense, (running back) Waltez Clark is a smooth runner with the speed to generate explosive plays when he gets in the open field,” Haubert notes.

“Brown has good hands and a nice blend of speed and quickness, and can not only be a playmaking target on offense, but also a dangerous weapon in the return game. Josh Moore gives the Gators another receiver who can be a productive target but with more size at 6-foot-4.”

Recruiting Rankings Summary

The Gators have four ESPN300 recruits in the class of 2025 — all of whom are four-star prospects per the publication. The group is headlined by the top prospect on offense in Brown, who received an 84 grade; the best on defense is Wiggins, who also earned an 84 grade.

The other two are Clark, who graded at 81, along with Moore, who also graded out at 81.

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