Gators Land Three Four-Star Pledges, Boost Recruiting Class to 13th!

Cocoa, FL, USA - The Florida Gators are on a roll in recruiting, and the excitement continues as they have recently welcomed some promising talent to their roster. On July 3, 2025, the Gators received a significant commitment from four-star defensive back CJ Hester, hailing from Cocoa, FL. Hester, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 185 pounds, is currently ranked No. 233 nationally in the 247Sports Composite rankings. His choice of Florida comes after exploring multiple options, including schools like Auburn, Georgia, Iowa, Syracuse, and UCLA.

Hester recently transitioned from cornerback to safety at Cocoa High School—a move highlighted by strong performances, including 72 tackles and three interceptions during his junior year. Notably, he also showcased impressive speed on the track with a 10.97-second finish in the 100 meters during his sophomore season. During his official visit to Gainesville, Hester was particularly taken by the positional meetings and the in-depth discussions about how he might fit into the Gators‘ defensive schemes, an experience that undoubtedly left a mark on his decision to commit.

New Pledges and Team Rankings

But he wasn’t the only one making waves this week. Just a day prior to Hester’s announcement, another four-star athlete, defensive lineman Kendall Guervil from Fort Myers, FL, also decided to join the Gators. At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Guervil brings immense potential and power to Florida’s defensive line and is ranked No. 77 in the nation (No. 146 in the Composite). He weighed Florida’s offer against those from Georgia and Texas before ultimately making his choice after several visits.

In addition, Florida added another gem to their 2026 class in the form of four-star offensive lineman Desmond Green, who stands at an impressive 6-foot-5 and weighs 354 pounds. Although Green is currently the lowest-rated commit in the Gators’ class per 247Sports, his size and talent are undeniable. This substantial influx of talent has propelled Florida to a total of 16 commitments, climbing to the No. 13 spot in the 247Sports Composite team rankings.

Team Dynamics and Future Prospects

This recent surge in commitments couldn’t come at a better time, as Florida seeks to bolster its roster for the upcoming seasons. Out of the 12 programs ranked higher than the Gators, all have at least 19 commitments, highlighting the competitive landscape in college football recruiting. Fans are hopeful that these new recruits will bring a fresh energy to Gainesville and lead the team to new heights.

As discussions swirl in local forums, such as 247Sports, the Gators community buzzes with excitement. The anticipation builds as these young athletes prepare to don the blue and orange and take their talents to the field. With players like Hester, Guervil, and Green, the Gators appear ready to make a powerful statement in the coming years. Let’s see how the pieces fall into place as we head closer to the new season.