— The Florida Gators may have just landed the cornerstone of their football future with the commitment of four-star offensive lineman Will Griffin. A dominant force in the trenches out of Buford High School in Georgia, Griffin announced his decision via a live stream Friday afternoon, choosing Florida over perennial powerhouses Alabama, Tennessee, and Ohio State.
The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Griffin is widely regarded as one of the top interior linemen in the 2026 class, praised for his elite footwork, strong hands, and high football IQ. His commitment is a massive win for head coach Billy Napier, who has faced increasing pressure to turn the program around after back-to-back underwhelming seasons in the SEC.
“This is a special moment for me and my family,” Griffin said during his announcement. “After visiting Gainesville and spending time with the coaching staff, it just felt like home. I believe in what Coach Napier is building. I want to be a part of bringing Florida back to where it belongs—on top.”
Griffin’s pledge instantly lifts Florida’s 2026 recruiting class into the top 10 nationally, according to early rankings. It also signals a potential shift in momentum for the Gators, who have struggled to land top-tier offensive line talent in recent years.
“Will Griffin is the kind of player you can build an entire offensive unit around,” said 247Sports analyst Jeremy Parker. “He’s got the physical tools, but more importantly, he has a relentless motor and leadership qualities you don’t teach. Florida just got a future captain.”
Griffin’s decision also marks a notable recruiting victory over Alabama and Tennessee, two programs that had made strong pushes for the Georgia native. Florida offensive line coach Rob Sale was instrumental in the recruitment, developing a close relationship with Griffin and his family over the past year.
The Gators are not done yet. With Griffin now in the fold, sources indicate that several other blue-chip recruits are considering Florida more seriously, especially those in the skill positions who see Griffin as the anchor of a revamped offense.
Florida fans now have a reason to look forward to the future with renewed optimism. If Will Griffin lives up to the hype—and all signs suggest he will—the Gators may have just taken their first real step back into college football relevance.
