Gators Miss Key Recruits: Wingo Chooses Miami, Sone Picks Georgia!

Gainesville, Florida - The Florida Gators’ recruiting efforts are facing a bit of a rough patch, as they missed out on two promising recruits this week: Somourian Wingo and Valdin Sone. This news, reported by Hail Florida Hail, indicates some inconsistency under head coach Billy Napier’s leadership. Wingo, a standout wide receiver from St. Augustine High School, ultimately chose to join the Miami Hurricanes, even after being a top target for the Gators. His decision, influenced by discussions with his agent, aligned with a late surge of interest from Miami that sealed the deal for the 6-foot-2, 180-pound athlete.

Wingo had an impressive junior season, racking up 71 catches for 1,119 yards and 14 touchdowns, making him a bright prospect for whichever team he selected. His commitment leaves the Gators with two wide receivers in their 2026 recruiting class: four-stars Marquez Daniel and Justin Williams, the latter being designated as an athlete. However, the Gators‘ class remains ranked 14th overall and 10th by average player ranking, highlighting a need to secure more elite talent, as no „premier“ players have yet joined their ranks.

A Defensive Dilemma

As if that wasn’t enough, Valdin Sone, a four-star defensive lineman, also opted for Georgia over Florida, a decision that has left Gators fans scratching their heads. Initially perceived as the frontrunner in the Sone sweepstakes, Florida lost ground to the Bulldogs, who presented a strong case for the four-star prospect known for his explosive first step and ability to disrupt offensive plays.

Florida’s difficulties in recruitment have raised concerns over their defensive line. While they may have depth at wide receiver, losing Wingo and Sone points to a significant gap in their defensive prospects. Currently, Kendall Guervil is the only true defensive tackle committed for the class of 2026, underscoring a troubling lack of options for the Gators in this crucial area, as emphasized by 247 Sports.

As the Gators shake off this week’s disappointments, they’ll need to pivot their strategy and make a concerted effort to address these gaps before the season progresses. With Wingo heading to Miami and Sone choosing Georgia, it’s a wake-up call for Florida as they look to strengthen their ties and attract talent that can truly make a difference on the field.