Florida’s 2023 recruiting class: Overhyped or overlooked?

2025 is now or never for the class of 2023
Apr 12, 2025; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11) scores a touchdown during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2025; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11) scores a touchdown during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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How to evaluate the class of 2023?

This is where the tricky part comes in when trying to evaluate the class of 2023. In one breath, only seven of the 22 players have transferred out, which isn't bad in the modern era.

The problem is that over two years, the class has had minimal positive impact on the field.

While PFF is far from the be-all, end-all metric of how to judge players, just four players are returning who took at least 100 snaps in 2024 and had a PFF grade of at least 70, which is a low bar to clear (Jackson, Lovett, Wilson, and Thornton).

So if Napier's vision of development is going to pay dividends, 2025 is going to be a now-or-never moment for a bunch of members of the class of 2023.