Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Florida Predicted to Land Elite 2026 EDGE

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 4:14 PM ET

The Florida Gators had a pivotal year in 2024, following an 8-5 record, which marked head coach Billy Napier's first winning season.

The Gators got more good news on the 4th of July, with a prediction from Rivals' Sam Spiegs. Spiegs predicted Florida to land four-star edge rusher Kevin Ford from the 2026 class.

Ford is 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, and is a native of Duncanville, Texas.

Florida is without a commitment from an edge rusher from the 2026 class. The Gators' class currently ranks No. 15 overall for the 2026 cycle on On3 Sports.

He also holds offers from the Texas A&M Aggies, SMU Mustangs, Alabama Crimson Tide, and others.

Ford is the No. 18 edge rusher and Texas prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings.

The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gives Florida the best odds of securing Ford's commitment, at 54.9%. The Gators are followed by Texas A&M (36.1%), SMU (1.7%) and Alabama (1.4%)

The Gators were one of four teams to have official visits with Ford recently. He also visited the Ohio State Buckeyes (June 20), Texas A&M (June 13) and Alabama (May 30).

While Florida is hoping Speigs' prediction comes true about Ford, two other recruits who were trending towards the Gators recently committed to the program.

Defensive lineman Kendall Guervil and cornerback CJ Hester were both predicted to land in Gainesville and did just that.

Florida begins its fourth year with Napier in 2025, against Long Island on August 30. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and SEC Network+.

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

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