The Florida Gators brand is strong enough that the recruiting has remained solid in terms of class rankings, despite multiple coaching changes. Recruiting classes from 2020 to 2026 have averaged a national ranking of 11.36 with a couple classes ranking as high as seventh.
Those classes featured four five-star prospects total, according to the 247Sports Composite. Two of those former top recruits are in the NFL. One has transferred out of the program and another is still trying to find his way.
DL Gervon Dexter (2020)
Dexter was a five-star prospect out of Lake Wales, Florida that received a 100 rating on the 247 Composite. There was no question that Dexter looked the part coming off the bus, he was an impressive figure at 6-foot-6, 290 pounds. He showed flashes as a Gator but never put up numbers that would be considered for All-SEC type of honors. As a sophomore, Dexter had 51 tackles and three sacks. His athleticism and potential were good enough for him to be a second-round pick by the Chicago Bears in the 2023 draft. He's been much more productive as a pro and will likely be in line for a nice contract when his rookie deal expires after this season.
CB Jason Marshall (2021)
Marshall was a big recruiting win for Dan Mullen in his final class as the Gators coach. The blue-chip prospect from Miami was solid in his four years in Gainesville. He took over the No. 1 corner spot late in his freshman season and kept it. Marshall's best years were his sophomore and junior campaigns, when he averaged 28 tackles and 10 passes defended over that two-year stretch. Marshall was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 draft by the Miami Dolphins and should get a chance to assume a starting role this season.
READ MORE: Former Florida Football star Jason Marshall has massive vertical jump at NFL Combine
QB DJ Lagway (2024)
There's been plenty written about Lagway, who was faced with the unenviable task of trying to save Billy Napier's job. Despite his 100 rating and status as the top-ranked quarterback in his class, Lagway wasn't a miracle worker. As a freshman things were very promising for Lagway. He led the Gators to four straight wins to close the season and entered 2025 with a lot of fanfare. However, things didn't work out. Napier was fired. Lagway said he was never happy in Gainesville and transferred to Baylor.
EDGE LJ McCray (2024)
It's now-or-never for McCray. The highly-touted prospect from Daytona Beach was expected to be the next Jarvis Moss or Alex Brown and so far it hasn't happened. McCray played one game and suffered a season-ending injury after recording 13 tackles and half of a sack as a freshman. He decided to stay with the Gators through the coaching change, but McCray comes into training camp as a third-string defensive end and is going to have to earn his opportunities.
READ MORE: These Gators went from afterthoughts to must-play options after a strong spring
These blue-chip recruits were plagued by inconsistency, injuries or simply failing to live up to the ranking. The lack of development is an area that Jon Sumrall will have to improve to change the narrative, starting with the 2027 class and five-star offensive lineman Maxwell Hiller.
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