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College football kicked off its annual Early Signing Day on Wednesday, a time when many of the nation’s top high school recruits sign National Letters of Intent to their chosen schools.
This period brings renewed optimism for schools and prospects, especially those aiming to rebound from challenging seasons and struggles.
Major Florida Signings Prior to National Signing Day
The Gators entered the day with the nation’s 11th-ranked class and finished the day with the No. 10 class according to ESPN. Four of the 23 commitments featured notable four-star recruits making their decision Wednesday.
Edge rusher Jayden Woods, defensive tackle Joseph Mbatchou, linebacker Ty Jackson and safety Hylton Stubbs highlight a prosperous recruitment period for Florida.
The essence of Woods’ vicious style of play will blend in seamlessly with the SEC’s defensive landscape.
Your 2024 Sunflower league Defensive Player of The Year: Jayden Woods
The 4 ⭐️ Florida Gators commit put up an impressive senior year with 90 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 6 hurries, 1 INT, 2 FF, and 5 TFL
#1-0 #Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/JRcbqmn3TC— Mill Valley Football (@MVJaguar) December 3, 2024
The other additions look poised to bolster an already promising unit. All three levels of the defense will gain enforcers that can help establish a long-lasting culture.
Special Teams Additions
Special teams will also feature changes in the future. Five-star kicker Evan Noel will bring impressive kicking strength, and punter Hayden Craig will fill in the absence of Jeremy Crawford’s contributions.
5 ⭐️ kicker Evan Noel set the Mississippi high school record with a 61-yard field goal on Friday night.
The Arkansas commit’s kick would’ve tied the SEC record, and certainly had the distance to match the NFL record (66 yds).
🎥 Carlos Hurtado (St. Stanislaus) pic.twitter.com/UjfbosvFhz
— Matt DeGregorio (@Matt_DeGregorio) September 21, 2024
Receiver Room Gains Key Player
Arguably the biggest commitment thus far has been wide receiver Vernell Brown III, who is following in his father’s footsteps at UF
The Fighting Tigers recruit is the nation’s 6th-ranked prospect in his position and 39th ranked overall in the 2025 class.
His production has been especially consistent in its quality, tallying back-to-back 1,000-plus hard seasons with a combined 21 touchdowns.
"I'm a firm believer in the people make the place no matter where it is. Logos don't really matter to me."
4⭐️ Florida WR signee Vernell Brown III spoke w/ @TomLoy247 about why he's fired up for the future of @GatorsFB under Billy Napier pic.twitter.com/oiu0m7ZXJe
— 247Sports (@247Sports) December 4, 2024
Focusing on the broader offensive picture for Florida, depth in the quarterback room improves with the addition of 4-star signal caller Tramell Jones Jr.
This area of concern was exposed in losses to Georgia and Texas, as starter DJ Lagway’s injuries left Florida in a disadvantageous position.
Other moves to note include running back Waltez Clark and edge rusher Jalen Wiggins, both recruits adding to the assortment of four-star talent incoming.
Florida coach Billy Napier said the Gators, who will have 18 signees join the program in January, are still looking to sign a couple more players and then add more through the transfer portal.
2025 Recruits Signed
- 5-star WR Vernell Brown III
- 4-star RB Waltez Clark
- 4-star QB Tramell Jones
- 4-star Edge Jalen Wiggins
- 4-star Edge Jayden Woods
- 4-star DL Joseph Mbatchou
- 4-star LB Ty Jackson
- 4-star RB Byron Louis
- 4-star S Hylton Stubbs
- 4-star WR Naeshaun Montgomery
- 4-star CB Ben Hanks Jr.
- 4-star OL Tavaris Dice
- 4-star S Lagonza Hayward
- 4-star DL Jeramiah McCloud
- 3-star TE Micah Jones
- 3-star LB Myles Johnson
- 3-star P Hayden Craig
- 3-star RB Chad Gasper
- 3-star OL Daniel Pierre Louis
- 3-star WR Muizz Tounkara
- 3-star K Evan Noel
- 3-star OL Jahari Medlock
- 3-star DL Stephon Shivers
