Jon Sumrall accomplished in four months what Billy Napier couldn't do in four years

Among the numerous teases of the Billy Napier Era was that Florida always seemed “in the picture” for an array of top-rated offensive linemen, but never actually landed any of them. It seemed like every year the Gators would be a finalist for a five-star guard or tackle, only to never have their hat put on during decision day.

So while we still need to see Jon Sumrall coach on the field and see what his squad will look like once the whistle blows, he has accomplished something in four months that Napier couldn’t accomplish in four years on the job.

Florida lands commitment of five-star OL Maxwell Hiller

Five-star IOL Maxwell Hiller announced on social media his verbal commitment to Florida on Wednesday. His commitment had been trending towards Florida, and once Hiller canceled his weekend visit to Alabama, it all but confirmed Hiller was ready to commit. 

Hiller will still be a couple of years away before he sees the field for meaningful snaps in Gainesville, but his commitment also represents something Florida has been chasing for over a decade. Hiller is the first five-star OL commit the Gators have had since Martez Ivey in 2015. As it stands, on the database from 247 Sports, Hiller is the 5th highest rated recruit the Gators have ever had.

A ton of credit goes to new offensive line coach Phil Trautwein as well. Most Gator fans seem to be at ease with Florida’s offensive line heading into 2026, even though indications have been that they have been struggling, in large part because of Trautwein. 

Just remember for 2026 that he is still patching things together with a combination of guys from the Napier Era and guys he picked up in the transfer portal. If Florida can pull it together and have a competent offensive line with this group, imagine what can happen once Florida starts getting in guys like Hiller.

Because back in December when we first profiled Hiller, we said:

"If you want the definition of what the tape for a five-star prospect looks like compared to a three-star, just go watch Hiller’s film. He is the type of player who would make you want to quit football if you were matched up against him on a Friday night. His natural power is evident, and there are moments where he won’t just pancake one dude, he’ll find a way to pancake two dudes at once."

Napier, and quite frankly Dan Mullen, seemed content to settle on three-star reclemation projects and act like everything was fine. 

But if one wants to ascend to the top of the SEC, it starts with locking down the top linemen while they are still in high school.