As the offseason recruiting period heats up, the focus is on the relentless effort and strategy required to win the recruiting battle. Florida, coming off an 8-5 season, isn’t allowing its recent record to deter its ambitions for a strong comeback. Head coach Billy Napier is leading the charge, determined to compete with powerhouse programs like Michigan and Ohio State for top-tier recruits.
Napier recently visited Sarasota’s Cardinal Mooney High School to meet with two highly sought-after 2026 prospects, Elijah Golden and Da’Ron Parks. Both players have drawn national attention for their standout performances and are key targets in Florida’s recruiting plans.
Elijah Golden: A Game-Changing Defensive Lineman
Elijah Golden, a 4-star defensive lineman, is ranked as the No. 212 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle, according to On3. The 6’3″, 246-pound athlete is also ranked No. 21 at his position and No. 35 in the state of Florida. Golden has a competitive list of suitors, including Michigan, Michigan State, Washington, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, and Clemson, alongside Florida. His ability to attract attention from elite programs underscores his potential as a future cornerstone player.
In an interview before the Navy All-American Bowl, Golden revealed his openness to various programs, highlighting the depth of competition Napier faces to secure his commitment.
Florida head coach Billy Napier visited 2026 4-stars Elijah Golden and Da’Ron Parks on Thursday🐊
(📸: @Mooney_FB)
Read: https://t.co/euEgxT9SrT pic.twitter.com/JR9ijK20jH
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) January 16, 2025
Da’Ron Parks: A Versatile Interior Offensive Lineman
Da’Ron Parks, another 4-star recruit, is ranked as the No. 268 overall prospect and No. 21 among interior offensive linemen in his class. Parks, who also ranks No. 41 in Florida, has shown strong interest in Ohio State, having visited Columbus multiple times. His impressive contributions helped Cardinal Mooney achieve a 12-1 record and a trip to the FHSAA 2A semifinals.
Both Golden and Parks also recently received offers from Oregon, adding to the challenge for Napier and his staff to bring them to Gainesville.
Florida’s Recruiting Momentum
Despite the intense competition, Florida’s recruiting efforts are showing promise. For the 2025 class, the Gators secured 26 commitments, including 5-star wide receiver Dallas Wilson, 14 4-star recruits, and 13 3-star players. This haul has positioned Florida just outside the top 10 in national recruiting rankings at No. 11. While they only added three transfers for the 2025 roster, their success in high school recruiting has been a significant boost.
Florida’s 2026 recruiting class is also beginning to take shape, with three early commitments from Top 150 quarterback Will Griffin, 4-star cornerback Jaelen Waters, and 3-star safety Devin Jackson. The addition of Golden and Parks would further elevate their rankings and strengthen their future roster.
The Road Ahead
While Napier’s efforts are commendable, the decision timeline for Golden and Parks remains uncertain. Both players have a variety of strong options and seem to be taking their time to evaluate their choices. However, securing these two recruits could mark a significant milestone in Florida’s quest to return to prominence.
Napier’s aggressive recruiting strategy, aimed at outmaneuvering established giants like Michigan and Ohio State, could be the key to reshaping Florida’s football future. Time will tell if these efforts translate into commitments that can restore the Gators to elite status.