FLORIDA RECRUITING: Recapping the Gators Big Recruiting Weekend

For the third consecutive week, the Florida Gators played host to a slew of high-profile football recruits during their weekend matchup against Charlotte.

At least 15 recruits were confirmed to be in attendance this past Saturday to watch the Gators advance to 3-1 with a win against the 49ers, despite their offensive struggles.

Most notably, 5-star wide receiver and Ohio State commit Jeremiah Smith was once again on campus as Billy Napier and the Florida recruiting staff continue to work towards flipping the nation's top pass catcher.

Smith has been in Gainesville five times including an official visit in June.

"The game went good," Smith told 247Sports. "Offense looked pretty good. They just got to finish drives. They kicked a lot of field goals. The environment was good, it was loud. Game sold out vs. Charlotte, so not even a big game like that and it sold out. I had a great time up there. I had a great time with Coach Billy Napier and Coach Billy G after the game for like a good 30 minutes. I just love how everything went this weekend."

The Gator faithful also played part in the recruitment of Smith this past weekend, revealing a 'Jeremiah 2 The Swamp' banner during the game, something that the Opa Locka (Fl.) native has never seen before.

"It was cool," Smith said about the banner. "I never had that done for me at a game nowhere I went. I feel like that was cool."

Smith had the opportunity to spend time with Napier and other staffers including wide receiver coach Billy Gonzales after the game, alongside fellow five-star prospect Charles Lester who is committed to Florida State.

Lester, who had not been in Gainesville for quite some time prior to Saturday, appears to have a growing interest in the Gators. Specifically, the defensive back is pleased by the clear opportunity for early playing time, which was evident from the young Florida defensive backs getting loads of playing time.

“I love seeing the young corners out there,” Lester said. “That’s what I pay attention to more because I know I’ll be in their shoes. I watched some of the younger freshmen that stepped on the field.”

The Venice (Fl.) native also said that he hopes to return to Gainesville at least one time before the Florida State game in November.

Although making it clear that he is still "locked in" to Florida State, Lester did emphasize that he has remained in contact with Florida.

“We’ve been lowkey, like out of any school, they’re the only one I’ve been talking to," Lester said in reference to keeping the door open with the Gators.

Other confirmed visitors this past weekend:

4-star DL Nasir Johnson (Florida commit)

4-star LB Myles Graham (Florida commit)

4-star LB Adarius Hayes (Florida commit)

4-star DL Amaris Williams (Florida commit)

4-star DL Kendall Jackson (Florida commit)

4-star DL D'Antre Robinson (Texas commit)

4-star RB Jerrick Gibson (Texas commit)

2025 5-star WR Dallas Wilson (Oregon commit)

2025 5-star DB DJ Pickett

2025 4-star ATH Darrell Johnson

2025 4-star IOL Max Buchanan

2025 3-star WR Santonyo Isaac

2026 S Devin Jackson