Billy Napier and the Florida Gators are continuing to push for their first five-star recruit of the 2026 class. Right now, their efforts are focused on flipping what Rivals is calling the top defensive lineman in the nation.
5-star Texas commit James Johnson, the No. 1-ranked defensive lineman, says the Gators are still battling for his services.
— Corey Bender (@Corey_Bender) August 17, 2025
"Coach Chatman, that’s been my guy for a minute."
More on Florida and what's next: https://t.co/wgjhZhFiuI (On3+) pic.twitter.com/DK7nS5TX3t
James Johnson, a top 10 prospect in the class overall according to Rivals, has been committed to the Texas Longhorns since July 15, giving his pledge shortly after decommitting from Georgia.
Johnson's recruitment remains active, and he plans on taking visits this fall. While he doesn't have any particular dates or visits scheduled, he plans on making it out to Gainesville and to Miami.
According to Bender, it's widely believed that Johnson's landing spot will depend on the school's Name, Image, and Likeness package along with its revenue-sharing possibilities.
He transferred from North Fort Myers High School to Miami Northwestern ahead of the 2025 campaign, putting him firmly in the backyard of both Florida and Miami.
Here's what we said about Johnson back in February:
"On film, he looks the part of a potential top 100 prospect as Johnson yeets opposing guards and centers with ease. If you aren't familiar with the meaning of yeet, Johnson, at times, will push guys back five or more yards off just the initial point of contact."
Florida has remained in contact throughout the process, and Johnson's relationship with Gators defensive line coach Gerald Chatman is still strong.
If the Gators can flip the highly-talented Johnson, he'd become the team's fourth defensive line commit off the cycle.
Johnson would join four-star edge rusher Kevin Ford and four star defensive linemen Kendall Guervil and JaReylan McCoy.
In addition, earning a pledge from Johnson could further establish a pipeline to recruits from powerhouse program Miami NW. In the 2026 class alone, the high school has four players with four-star or better ratings.
The Gators have already dipped their toes into recruits from the current Miami Northwestern roster, having an offer extended to Class of 2028 QB Neimann Lawrence.
They've added two players from the school in the past three cycles, in class of 2025 four-star cornerback J'Vari Flowers and four-star class of 2023 wide receiver Andy Jean.