The Florida Gators are surging — not just on the field, but on the recruiting trail as well. After a major week that saw the program secure commitments from two more four-star prospects, the Gators have officially climbed into the Top 10 nationally in the PCFB recruiting rankings.
Head coach Billy Napier and his staff have made it clear that Florida isn’t rebuilding — it’s reloading. With a mix of in-state dominance and national reach, the Gators are putting together one of the most balanced and athletic recruiting classes in the country. The recent additions not only boost Florida’s overall class ranking but also reinforce key positional needs for the future.
Let’s take a closer look at the core of this impressive 2026 recruiting haul — a group headlined by a five-star quarterback, versatile athletes, and physical playmakers who embody Florida football’s identity.
QB Reshard Overeem – Sanford, FL – 6’2”, 206 lbs – 4⭐️ (No. 3 QB, No. 3 Overall)
You can’t talk about this class without starting with Reshard Overeem, the blue-chip quarterback who set Gainesville buzzing the moment he announced his commitment. The Sanford native chose the Gators over powerhouse programs like LSU, Clemson, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida State, giving Florida arguably the best quarterback recruit in the country.
Overeem is more than just a stat-sheet star — he’s a natural leader with championship pedigree. At Seminole High School, he threw for over 3,800 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior, while adding another 700 yards and 9 scores on the ground. Scouts rave about his arm strength (85 throw power), his poise under pressure, and his ability to extend plays with his legs.
What separates Overeem is his football IQ. He plays with veteran-level anticipation, consistently throwing receivers open and manipulating defenses with his eyes. Many within the program believe he could push for playing time as early as his freshman season, especially if he arrives early for spring practice.
Overeem has also become a vocal recruiter, often taking to social media to encourage other elite talents to join him in Gainesville — a leadership trait that’s helping Florida continue to build momentum in this class.
ATH John Bee – Tampa, FL – 6’1”, 195 lbs – 4⭐️ (No. 7 Athlete)
One of the Gators’ most versatile additions, John Bee is a do-it-all athlete from Tampa who can line up just about anywhere on the field. Bee has spent time at wide receiver, safety, and even cornerback during his high school career, showcasing elite ball skills and toughness.
Florida’s coaching staff reportedly loves his flexibility — and while he’s being recruited primarily as a wide receiver, there’s talk that Bee could see action on both sides of the ball in certain packages.
In his junior season, Bee totaled 1,122 receiving yards, 13 touchdowns, and added 4 interceptions on defense. His combination of size, speed, and aggression after the catch gives Florida another weapon in space — something offensive coordinator Rob Sale has been prioritizing in recent recruiting cycles.
Bee has also earned a reputation as a high-character recruit who brings energy and confidence to the locker room. “John’s the kind of player who raises the level of competition everywhere he goes,” one Florida staffer said. “He wants to win every rep — and that’s contagious.”
WR Jesus Silvestro – Bradenton, FL – 6’0”, 184 lbs – 4⭐️ (No. 18 WR)
Another key in-state win, Jesus Silvestro brings elite route running and body control to the Florida receiver room. Coming out of IMG Academy, Silvestro has faced top competition throughout his high school career, and it shows — his polish and football maturity are years ahead of most prospects his age.
Silvestro caught 68 passes for 1,034 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior, proving to be one of the most dependable deep threats in the state. What stands out most about him is his fluidity — he’s smooth in and out of breaks, rarely loses speed when changing direction, and can adjust midair like a seasoned pro.
Florida sees Silvestro as a perfect fit in its RPO-heavy system. His ability to create separation on quick slants and timing routes will pair beautifully with Overeem’s accuracy. He’s also been praised for his work ethic and attention to detail in film study — two traits that often translate into early playing time.
OL Mike Cooks – Valdosta, GA – 6’4”, 310 lbs – 4⭐️ (No. 10 OG)
The Gators went north of the border to Georgia to snag one of the most physically dominant linemen in the southeast, Mike Cooks. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound mauler brings a mean streak and an old-school physicality that Florida fans love.
Cooks is a powerful run blocker who consistently finishes his assignments and thrives in close-quarter battles. He’s also surprisingly nimble for his size, allowing him to pull effectively on power runs and screens — a perfect fit for Florida’s offensive line schemes.
At Valdosta High, Cooks was a three-year starter who allowed just one sack in his last two seasons combined. His combination of technique and toughness has already earned him comparisons to current Florida star guard Quenton Nelson, who has become something of a mentor to recruits at the position.
Florida has prioritized rebuilding its offensive line depth, and Cooks represents the kind of foundation piece that can anchor the unit for years to come.
CB Khari Callow – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – 6’0”, 188 lbs – 4⭐️ (No. 9 CB)
The Gators’ tradition of elite defensive backs continues with Khari Callow, one of the best cover corners in the 2026 class. Callow’s blend of quickness, instincts, and physical playstyle make him a natural fit in Florida’s aggressive secondary system.
At St. Thomas Aquinas, Callow recorded 6 interceptions and 17 pass breakups as a junior, regularly matching up against opposing teams’ top receivers and erasing them from the game plan. He’s known for his fearless approach at the line of scrimmage — a press corner who relishes one-on-one battles.
Defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong praised Callow’s competitiveness, saying, “He’s got that ‘Florida DB’ DNA. He’s long, fast, and he doesn’t back down from anyone.”
With the Gators expected to lose several veteran corners to the draft in the next two seasons, Callow’s commitment helps solidify the future of the secondary.
LB Khari Hocker – Jacksonville, FL – 6’2”, 225 lbs – 3⭐️ (High 3-Star)
Every recruiting class needs a tone-setter, and Khari Hocker fits that role perfectly. The Jacksonville native might be a three-star on paper, but his film tells a different story. Hocker is an instinctive linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range and a nose for the football.
He’s the type of player who thrives on contact — finishing with 111 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks last season. Florida loves his motor and leadership, and he’s expected to develop into a key contributor on special teams early before earning a role on defense.
Hocker’s stock has been rising fast, with multiple Power Five programs showing late interest, but his decision to commit early to Florida speaks volumes about his confidence in the coaching staff and the program’s direction.
DL Jeremiah Scafe – Ocala, FL – 6’3”, 292 lbs – 4⭐️ (No. 12 DT)
One of Florida’s earliest commits, Jeremiah Scafe is a cornerstone piece of the defensive front. The big man from Ocala brings a rare combination of strength and athleticism — capable of stuffing the run inside or collapsing the pocket as a pass rusher.
Scafe totaled 42 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks last year, consistently commanding double teams. His lower-body power and violent hands make him a nightmare for opposing linemen. Florida’s coaches believe he can develop into a dominant three-technique in their hybrid front, with shades of former Gator greats like Sharrif Floyd and Jonathan Bullard.
Scafe’s commitment was one of the first signs that this class could be special. He’s become a vocal recruiter as well, often connecting with other defensive recruits and selling the “Swamp Culture” that’s being reestablished under Napier.
Building a Balanced Class
What’s striking about Florida’s 2026 recruiting class is how balanced it is. The Gators have secured impact players at nearly every position — from a franchise quarterback to playmaking receivers, from trench warriors to elite defenders.
This group represents both the present and the future of Florida football. Overeem gives the Gators a leader and centerpiece to build around, while players like Cooks, Callow, and Scafe bring toughness and physicality that will help define the next era of Gator defense.
Coach Napier emphasized that the staff isn’t chasing stars — they’re chasing fit. “We’re looking for competitors,” Napier said during a media availability last week. “Guys who love the grind, who want to represent the University of Florida the right way. We believe this class reflects that.”
The Road Ahead
With several top targets still on the board, Florida’s climb might not be done yet. The Gators are still heavily in pursuit of five-star edge rusher Tyrone Baskins and wide receiver Jalen Cato, both of whom are expected to announce decisions later this fall. Landing either could push Florida closer to the Top 5 nationally.
But for now, Florida fans have every reason to be excited. The Gators are not only winning games on Saturdays — they’re winning the long-term battle for talent. With this class, Florida looks poised to return to national prominence for years to come.
The Swamp is waking up again, and the rest of the PCFB world is starting to take notice.
Final Take:
The Gators’ recruiting class, led by Reshard Overeem, John Bee, Jesus Silvestro, Mike Cooks, Khari Callow, Khari Hocker, and Jeremiah Scafe, marks the beginning of something special. With elite talent, leadership, and toughness at every level, Florida isn’t just building for next season — they’re building a foundation for a championship run.
And if this top-10 surge is any indication, the best is yet to come in Gainesville.
