Florida, Billy Napier Dealt Disappointing Recruiting News on Top-5 Prospect

Florida made a strong late push in the race for five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo—but the momentum may be fading fast.

Ojo, the No. 5 overall player and top-ranked offensive tackle in the 2025 class, recently took his first official visit to Gainesville. 

After initially leaving the Gators off his visit list, the Mansfield (Texas) Lake Ridge standout changed course and gave Billy Napier’s staff a shot to impress.

“The Florida staff is hoping to get a jump on things and they did a very good job,” a source told Bucknuts 247Sports. “Obviously with Perez, and I think they made gains with Ojo, Wafle, Baker and Ogboko.”

And for a brief moment, it seemed like Florida had cracked the door open.

Sources earlier in the week close to Ojo confirmed to 247Sports Brian Dohn that the Gators' efforts put them firmly in the mix.

But as quickly as Florida surged, reality may be setting in.

That same Ohio State source gave the update Gator Nation didn’t want to hear. 

“But I’m not sure at all things are going to hold up for them, with at least Ojo and [Luke] Wafle.”

Texas remains the perceived frontrunner in Ojo’s recruitment, while Ohio State is now emerging as the biggest challenger. 

For Florida, the news delivers a potential setback for a program still looking to build momentum under Billy Napier following a season that showed improvement, but still fell short of expectations in Gainesville.