The 2026 recruiting class for the Florida Gators has been a contentious topic over the last few months.
Over the weekend, the Gators started to see some success, landing commitments from three-star defensive tackle Jamir Perez and transfer portal safety from Florida State, Harold Stubbs IV.
Getting momentum back on the recruiting trail was huge and necessary for head coach Billy Napier, and he's done just that. There has been one constant with the 2026 class, and he just got a prestigious honor.
The Gators have had one constant with the 2026 recruiting class, and that is quarterback Will Griffin. He committed on June 1st of last year and has been the only constant in the class.
On Monday, Griffin received an invite to the Elite 11 Finals, a prestigious offseason quarterback camp.
Florida 4-star Will Griffin is the latest QB to receive an invite to the Elite 11 Finals
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) May 20, 2025
Read: https://t.co/d6RSrytyow pic.twitter.com/5sfK6Nv1KN
The Gators have done a really good job recruiting at the quarterback position over the years, and they have another talented guy in Griffin. He is currently the 16th-ranked quarterback, according to 247 Sports, with Andrew Irvins detailing a very appealing scouting report.
Physically-gifted quarterback with ready-to-play bulk that can beat coverages at all three levels, but one that has to get more consistent. Owns plenty of game experience and enters his senior season with 46 career starts under his belt after getting varsity snaps as an eighth grader. Has shown the ability to play from a structured environment in a single-back spread attack, but has also proven to be a slick mover both in and outside the pocket that can escape pressure and extend plays. Does an excellent job at this stage of climbing and stepping into throws as he can rip darts on tight lines to short and intermediate targets. However, can struggle for stretches with his ball placement, especially on the deep shots, which in turn leads to stalled drives. More than capable of supplementing a run game with his power and quickness, but isn’t the type of signal caller that’s just looking to tuck it and run it. Has some developmental upside given the total package (compact release, large features, sack avoidance), but is likely going to need some time to adjust to the speed of the college game as he learns how to read complex defenses while limiting bad decisions. Overall, should be viewed as a potential multi-year starter at the Power Four level that’s always going to be attractive to Sunday evaluators because of his size, natural arm strength and athletic movement patterns.
Griffin could end up being the guy in 2027, assuming that Lagway declares early for the NFL Draft like many believe he will. His size, athleticism, and arm talent are impressive. Consistency will likely come over time, as it does with most quarterbacks, but there is plenty of time for Griffin to figure it out before he has to take a snap with the Gators.
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