Former controversial Gator commit is trying to prove one moment didn’t define him

There is an alternative world where QB Marcus Stokes would have come to Florida and saved Billy Napier. The former four-star prospect from Nease High School, who was once compared to Kenny Pickett, flipped from Penn State in 2022 to join Napier's class of 2023.

Then, a controversial video got leaked, and Stokes was released from his commitment.

But Stokes has been out to prove that he still has what it takes to make it at the D1 level and is hoping next season he can follow the pathway that Trinidad Chambliss just forged.

Marcus Stokes hits the transfer portal

If you don't follow recruiting or have selective memory, Stokes was released from his commitment to Florida after a video surfaced of him rapping along to a song in his car. In that video, Stokes repeated some lyrics with racial slurs, and that was deemed controversial enough for Napier to move on.

We highlighted at the time of Napier dropping him that it felt like a massive overreaction to exile Stokes based on this one video:

"But, there is also important to factor in the denotation of what Stokes said and also factor in the connotation of his intent. Stokes was not using the word in a hateful manner; he was rapping along to a song that already contained the word.

If you want to argue that there is no place for the word to ever be used due to the denotation behind it, that's fair, but at 17 years old, this was a teaching moment for Stokes rather than ostracizing him into oblivion.

The truth is, Stokes was released by Napier because he wasn't needed anymore. With (Jaden) Rashada coming to town, Florida football didn't need to bring two QBs for 2023. It was harsh, but it made sense."

Except Jaden Rashada never made it to town and it is Stokes that might just have the last laught in this journey.

Stokes wound up settling in at West Florida University, a D2 power in Pensacola. In 2025, he threw for 3,297 yards with 30 TDs to go against 13 interceptions. He has also run for 367 yards and ten additional TDs.

He is a nominee for the Harlon Hill Trophy, given to the player of the year in D2.

West Florida went 10-2 this season, but was just eliminated from the playoffs. Now that their season is over, Stokes is hitting the transfer portal, presumably with the goal of seeing what he can do at the D1 level.

Given the state of Florida's QB room today, as currently constructed, it's tough to envision a pathway for Stokes to land in Gainesville. If DJ Lawgay and Tramell Jones both come back, Florida is also slated to add QB Will Griffin out of Tampa as part of its class of 2026.

But there is bound to be a home somewhere for Stokes, and he is out to prove that Napier gave up on him far too soon.