Image Credit: Maddie Washburn, UAA
What appeared poised to be a newsworthy National Signing Day for the Florida Gators in early December never included the fireworks many expected. Weeks later, though, the big fish many expected the Gators to land that day appears to finally be hooked.
Five-star wide receiver Dallas Wilson (Tampa, FL) will reportedly be ending a nearly two-year-long pledge to Oregon by asking out of his financial aid package with the school with the intention of instead signing with Florida, according to multiple reports, including one from 247Sports.
Rumors of the flip to UF began late Tuesday before the early signing period opened; however, Wilson was quick to announce that he was locked in with the Ducks on National Signing Day leading many to believe the Gators were once again used as a tease for a high school prospect to raise his profile on a day in which his decision was otherwise already known.
Instead, there were clearly real flames attached to that smoke. Should Wilson sign with Florida as now expected, he will become the program’s top-rated prospect in the Class of 2025.
Wilson (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) had been pledged to Oregon since January 2023 only for a late visit to Florida apparently changing his mind about staying closer to home. He would ultimately become the 13th player that head coach Billy Napier has poached from a rival or Power Four program since the win over LSU.
Ranked as the No. 20 overall player in the 247Sports Composite, Wilson would stand as the Gators’ top prospect over fellow five-star WR Vernell Brown III (Orlando, FL). With Brown ranked No. 39 overall, Florida would have the nation’s best one-two punch of incoming freshman wideouts serving as top-tier weapons for quarterback DJ Lagway.
The Gators would move up an additional slot into the No. 10 spot in the 247Sports Composite team rankings with Wilson on board. UF sat No. 43 prior to the LSU game after falling as low as 51st in early November.
Given where Florida started a few weeks ago, this ascension in such a short period of time is unlike anything the program has seen from a recruiting standpoint in its history.
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