Despite issues on the field, Billy Napier continues to make progress with top recruits in a big way

Billy Napier knows how to recruit quarterbacks

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Sep 6, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier screams while surrounded by his team before a game against the South Florida Bulls at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The Florida Gators’ future is currently up in the air, but that hasn’t slowed down the momentum on the recruiting trail.

Head coach Billy Napier has been on the hot seat the entire year, and it became scorching after losing to South Florida in Week 2. Even so, the Gators came out on top against the Texas Longhorns with quarterback DJ Lagway getting his groove back.

With all the turmoil surrounding the program, recruiting could take a downturn. That hasn’t happened yet, including one key quarterback to the Gators’ future.

Florida Gators recruiting is picking up

The one player that the Gators have been working hard to secure their commitment is 2027 five-star quarterback Elijah Haven. He received multiple expert predictions to commit to the Gators and would be the perfect player to take over for Lagway when he eventually goes to the NFL.

Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman is still predicting the Gators will land the talented signal caller after Haven’s visit to Gainesville this past weekend.

“We have been fortunate to catch some amazing college football,” Kwame Haven, Elijah’s father, told Rivals after being in town for win vs. Texas. “Elijah had a great time. The Swamp was a rockin’!  That was our first time visiting for a game and Gainesville had a great aura. Elijah has developed a great relationship with staff, and it was good to see they are still able to reach the team through all of the adversity they’ve been through. That’s a great sign that they are able to get the players to tune out the noise and focus … The right fit is important to Elijah and they made it very clear that he would not only be a priority, but that he would be taken care of like family.”

It’s a huge deal for the Gators to be in contention for Haven, especially since he’s in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Securing his commitment out of the LSU Tigers’ backyard would be a huge win for Napier and the Gators.

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