What some class of 2026 Gator commits are saying after Florida fired Billy Napier

Billy Napier might not have been successful on the field, but off the field, he was successful at building a culture and building up a strong 2026 and 2027 recruiting class. Now that he’s out of the picture, however, what’s next for the up and coming recruiting class that Florida has committed?

Like many players and fans, some of Florida’s current recruitment commits have reacted to the firing of Napier and where they stand with their decisions to go to the University of Florida and if their feelings have changed.

Per Edgar Thompson of the Orlando Sentinel, Gator commit CJ Bronaugh stated, “I’m still a Gator,” saying he’s not going anywhere.

“I’m shocked, but a lot of people saw it coming,” Bronaugh said, “but I’m still a Gator at the end of the day.”

Gator offensive lineman recruit, Desmond Green was another player who said he’s staying a Gator and hopes the rest of his recruitment class will choose to do so as well.

“I know I want to be at the University of Florida,” he told Corey Bender of On3. “Like how I said, it’s all kind of weather.”

On Sunday night, Green took to X to thank Napier, simply saying, “Thanks Coach.”

Defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy was in the swamp on Saturday for Florida’s homecoming win over Mississippi State. He re-pledged his commitment then, and again on Sunday made it known that he’s committed to the program.

“I’m committed to a program; not a coach or specific person,” he said in response to the situation regarding Coach Napier on Sunday.

McCoy posted a Gator with a lock-box attached to a photo on his X on Sunday, showing his continued commitment to the University of Florida.

The same emotions and reactions were echoed by linebacker commit, Malik Morris. “I’m here and this is where I want to be at,” he told Bender of On3.

Defensive back commit CJ Hester recently spoke with Tyler Harden of Swamp247. According to Harden’s video, Hester is still committed to Florida, saying his commitment is still strong and he supports whatever is best for the program.

While the responses of recruits have still remained positive and it doesn’t sound like many are veering away from Florida, one recruit is saying he’s still undecided.

Current Gator commit and four-star EDGE DJ Ford told Rivals that his commitment “depends who the coach is.”