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Florida Receives Disappointing Recruiting News on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated May 1, 2025 12:35 PM ET

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier is an even 19-19 since taking the job in 2022.

Fresh off his first winning season and bowl win, Napier is building for the future. Sadly, his vision will not include 2026 offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe. On3's Hayes Fawcett reported Thursday that Pepe picked the USC Trojans over Florida.

The Miami Hurricanes, Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs were also in the running.

The offensive tackle attends IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and is listed at 6-foot-6, 275 pounds.

The USC commitment means that Florida is still searching for its first offensive lineman pledge from the 2026 class.

Pepe is a four-star prospect and the No. 5 offensive tackle in the On3 Industry Rankings.

He also held offers from the Oregon Ducks, Alabama Crimson Tide, Oklahoma Sooners, Ohio State Buckeyes, and others.

USC prioritized Pepe early in his recruitment, having the offensive tackle on campus for five visits so far. The Trojans have scheduled a sixth as an official visit on June 17.

He has previously visited Oregon, Miami, Texas, the Oregon State Beavers, Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama, and Oklahoma.

Florida still has a chance to change things, with Pepe heading to Gainesville for an official visit on June 6.

The Gators' 2026 class consists of four-star linebacker Izayia Williams and four-star quarterback Will Griffin.

Florida finished the 2024 season at 8-5 after beating Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl 33-8. It was the second time in his tenure that Napier had taken Florida to the postseason.

The Gators open the 2025 season against Long Island on Aug. 30.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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