Florida Gators’ $27 Million Boost Threatens Steve Sarkisian’s 5-Star Texas Commit in Big Recruiting Development

“Talent acquisition business” is what head coach Billy Napier said when he joined the Gators. And it is true that teams with top athletes fight for the national championship at the end. How has it worked out for Napier? Well, considering he was about to be fired earlier this season, not well! The program had to put out a statement backing their head coach, and many thought that was because of the heavy $27 million buyout they had to pay the head coach if they fired him. That decision has the potential to impact Gators’ future, but the impact may extend beyond that. We hear even Texas Longhorns’ head coach Steve Sarkisian and his recruitment could also be in trouble.
Justin Wells, a senior recruiting analyst, appeared on the On3 YouTube channel on November 15th and discussed some Longhorns’ recruiting news doing the rounds. In particular, they focused on five-star wide receiver Jamie Ffrench, who committed to Steve Sarkisian’s 2025 class in August 2024. The No. 17 player in the 2025 ESPN 300 (second-ranked WR), the Florida native was considered a huge steal for Texas. However, Ffrench is scheduled to take an official visit with the Gators this week. That part is still okay, and Texas would not have had to defend their commitment had another key player not been a part of the Ffrench discussion.
Jamie’s Mandarin High School teammate Tramell Jones Jr has decommitted from Florida State University. His most likely destination? The Gators. As per Wells, “We reported yesterday that Tramell Jones was going to be joining him on campus. We actually predicted that he was going to decommit from Florida State. So that came to fruition this morning. That’s a good way to get their attention. You know, if you want Jamie Ffrench, why don’t you? He’s really close to his quarterback, his teammate. They don’t get much closer.”
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via Imago Syndication: Ocala StarBanner Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier walks during the first half at the Orange and Blue spring football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun Ocala , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMattxPendleton/GainesvillexSunx USATSI_23015159
So when Ffrench takes his official visit to Gainsville this weekend, he’d be joined by Jones Jr. What do the Gators have to offer to these star players? Per Wells, “Here’s the big deal. I think this is all stemming from Florida coming out and giving a vote of confidence for Billy Napier. And instead of having to come up and scrape together all the buyout money they would need if they were just to dismiss him, they’re getting set on NIL, which I actually think is pretty smart.”
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So, all that money they saved by not firing Napiers, they’re looking to invest in NIL? That’s pretty smart, and it has the potential for Sarkisian to lose his 5-star wide receiver. While the team hasn’t played that well this season, Billy Napiers must have his house in order if he wants to impress these potential commits.
Billy Napier prepares for tough week 12 showdown
On Wednesday, Napier discussed several important topics they are working on ahead of their week 12 matchup against LSU, one of the strongest teams this season. He highlighted that “talent alone isn’t enough” to win games and mentioned the importance of consistency, discipline, and commitment. Will they play better than their last game? Napier mentioned that what happened last weekend is not acceptable and said, “So we didn’t do much well at all on Saturday. We got to do a lot better this weekend.”
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When questioned about the impact of becoming bowl eligible, he stated, “Well, I think you’re always thinking big picture, but it’s important, like it’s a big picture, but it’s a little process, right? So one of the terms I’ve been using all week from the very beginning of the week is work as if you’re on a one-day contract, and maybe you get to call the night to come back. Maybe you don’t, you know.” He also emphasized that if they prepare, train, practice and do their job on a high level, they never know they can make a comeback.
Can they? Do they still have chances for the playoffs? However, Napier is not giving up, but as he said, a one-day contract. Lets see if they can defeat LSU tomorrow.