The Florida Gators have struck gold again on the recruiting trail. With the addition of Emmet Daly, a 6’2”, 207-pound athlete out of Jacksonville, Florida, the Gators have landed their fourth 4-star recruit of the 2026 class. Daly, who played both quarterback and wide receiver in high school, brings a unique skill set and a versatile game that could immediately impact Florida’s offense in multiple ways.
But Daly’s story is more than just stats and scouting reports—it’s one of early passion, natural talent, and years of work honing his craft on Pop Warner fields before stepping under the Friday night lights.
From Pop Warner Stardom to Jacksonville Prep Powerhouse
Like many Florida kids, Daly’s football journey started early. Growing up on the north side of Jacksonville, Daly was the kid who always wanted the ball in his hands. His Pop Warner coaches quickly saw something different in him: speed, toughness, and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field.
“From the time he was nine years old, Emmet just had that it factor,” said former youth coach Travis Hill. “If we needed a touchdown, we gave him the ball. If we needed a big stop on defense, he’d make it. He was just wired differently.”
By the time Daly entered high school at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, expectations were high. The Mustangs had a reputation for producing college-ready talent, and Daly fit right into that tradition.
High School Career Breakdown
Daly’s four years at Mandarin showcased not just his athleticism but his adaptability. He came in as a freshman listed as an “athlete” on the roster but was quickly thrust into action as a gadget quarterback in special packages. By the time he was a senior, he had played significant snaps both at QB and WR, creating headaches for opposing defenses.
Freshman Year (2022):
- Role: Gadget QB/backup WR
- Stats: 612 passing yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs; 312 rushing yards, 4 TDs; 15 receptions, 221 yards, 2 TDs
- Summary: Daly flashed promise, particularly with his speed on designed runs. His ability to make off-script plays gave coaches the confidence to expand his role.
Sophomore Year (2023):
- Role: Rotating QB/starting WR
- Stats: 1,042 passing yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs; 454 rushing yards, 7 TDs; 32 receptions, 518 yards, 6 TDs
- Summary: This was Daly’s breakout year. He developed chemistry with the starting quarterback while also proving he could sling the ball himself. His dual-threat ability began drawing attention from scouts.
Junior Year (2024):
- Role: Full-time WR, part-time QB
- Stats: 622 passing yards, 6 TDs, 2 INTs; 152 rushing yards, 3 TDs; 58 receptions, 904 yards, 10 TDs
- Summary: Daly’s junior season solidified him as a wide receiver prospect. He showed strong hands, route-running improvements, and the knack for big plays downfield.
Senior Year (2025):
- Role: Captain, hybrid QB/WR
- Stats: 1,228 passing yards, 14 TDs, 4 INTs; 332 rushing yards, 5 TDs; 67 receptions, 1,104 yards, 12 TDs
- Summary: Daly closed out his high school career in dominant fashion, leading Mandarin to the state semifinals. His production as both a passer and receiver highlighted his unique skillset, earning him All-State honors and offers from programs across the country.
Career Totals (4 Years):
- Passing: 3,504 yards, 35 TDs, 14 INTs
- Rushing: 1,250 yards, 19 TDs
- Receiving: 172 receptions, 2,747 yards, 30 TDs
Athletic Profile and Attributes
At 6’2” and 207 pounds, Daly brings a college-ready frame. His testing numbers and on-field traits jump off the page:
- 91 Speed: Top-end speed makes him a threat after the catch and dangerous on QB scrambles.
- 91 Acceleration: Explosive first step gives him an advantage both in the slot and when escaping the pocket.
- 91 Throw Power: Legitimate arm strength; capable of making all the deep outs, posts, and go-routes from the pocket.
- 77 Spectacular Catch: He’s shown the ability to go up and high-point the ball against tight coverage.
- 81 Catch: Solid, reliable hands in most situations.
- 80 Catch in Traffic: Physical enough to win contested balls.
- 77 Medium Route, 76 Short, 74 Deep: Still raw as a pure wideout, but has the foundation to develop into a polished route runner.
Scouts love his versatility. He’s fast enough to be a deep threat, tough enough to work the middle, and talented enough as a passer to keep defenses guessing in trick plays or potential QB packages.
Recruitment and Commitment
Daly’s recruitment took off after his junior season. Schools such as Miami, Florida State, and Auburn offered him scholarships, but the Gators stayed consistent throughout the process. Wide receivers coach Keary Colbert and offensive coordinator Mike Norvell sold Daly on the chance to be part of a system that thrives on creativity and athleticism.
“They told me I don’t have to be just one thing,” Daly said after committing. “At Florida, I can play receiver, I can throw it, I can return kicks, whatever the team needs. That’s what I’m about—winning.”
Athletic director Greeny praised Daly’s competitive spirit.
“Emmet is one of those players who you can’t put in a box. He can help us in so many ways. He’s a playmaker, and he’s got that edge we look for.”
Projection at Florida
The biggest question: Will Daly play wide receiver, quarterback, or both?
Florida has depth at quarterback but lacks a proven game-changing receiver. That makes Daly’s initial role more likely to be at wideout. With his frame and speed, he could develop into a dangerous outside receiver who stretches the field.
But don’t rule out gadget QB packages. Daly’s 91 throw power means Florida could unleash trick plays that keep defenses on their heels. In short-yardage and red-zone situations, his ability to run or pass could be a difference-maker.
Long term, his position will likely depend on team needs and his development. If Florida’s quarterback room struggles, Daly could get a look at the position full-time. If their QBs settle in, Daly’s future is likely catching passes and creating mismatches on the perimeter.
Player Comparison
Recruiting analysts have compared Daly to former Kentucky star Randall Cobb, who played both quarterback and receiver before becoming an NFL standout. Like Cobb, Daly thrives with the ball in his hands and has the versatility to impact games in multiple ways.
Another comparison that surfaces is Braxton Miller, the former Ohio State QB who transitioned into a successful wideout. Daly’s ability to improvise as a QB and create separation as a WR mirrors that hybrid style.
Impact on Florida’s Recruiting Class
Landing Daly marks the Gators’ fourth 4-star commitment in this cycle, giving them one of the strongest classes in the PCFB so far. His addition not only strengthens the roster but also continues the trend of Florida keeping top in-state talent at home.
The Gators now boast a recruiting haul that includes a mix of speed, toughness, and versatility—an identity the Gators has been pushing since day one. Daly fits that blueprint perfectly.
What Comes Next
For Daly, the work is just beginning. He’ll need to sharpen his route-running if he wants to earn early snaps at receiver. He’ll also need to adjust to the speed and physicality of college defenses. But with his athletic profile and competitive mindset, there’s little doubt he’ll find his way onto the field.
“He’s a guy who will make an impact sooner rather than later,” one recruiting analyst said. “Even if he’s not a full-time starter right away, Florida will find ways to use him. Special teams, gadget packages, you name it—Daly is too talented to sit on the bench.”
Final Thoughts
The Florida Gators’ latest addition is not your average recruit. Emmet Daly is a 4-star gem whose versatility makes him one of the most intriguing players in the 2026 recruiting class. With the speed to take the top off defenses, the arm strength to throw a 40-yard dart, and the toughness to fight for contested catches, Daly is the kind of weapon every coach dreams about.
Whether he ends up catching touchdowns, throwing them, or both, one thing is certain: Daly is going to be a name PCFB fans will hear a lot in the years to come.
For now, Gainesville has reason to celebrate. The Gators have landed another playmaker, and Daly’s future in orange and blue looks as bright as the Florida sun.
