Latest expert prediction pairs Florida Gators with high-upside defender who can solidify a promising recruiting class

Four-star LB DQ Forkpa predicted to commit to Florida Gators

This is a big one for the Gators. Linebacker has been a focus for the Gators in this recruiting class, but they haven't been able to keep a commitment as of yet. Four-star linebacker Izayia Williams was once committed to the Gators, but he didn't last, as he's now on his fifth school after committing to Ole Miss earlier this spring.

Now, the Gators are still in the race to actually sign Williams, and have an expert prediction logged to get in-state four-star Malik Morris. Getting him secured would go a long way to solidifying the defense in the 2026 recruiting class.

Out of IMG Academy, Forkpa is a four-star in the 247 Sports composite, ranking as the 240th overall recruit and the 15th-ranked linebacker in the nation. The Gators won't have to wait long for his commitment, as he is set to make that decision on July 12th.

At 6' and 225 lbs, Forkpa has the size and speed with an 11.45-second 100-meter as a track and field athlete to play multiple roles on the second level of the defense. That is a key piece in Ron Roberts' defense, as linebackers are asked to be versatile against both the run and the pass.

Currently, the Gators have the 16th-ranked recruiting class in the 247 Sports recruiting rankings.