USA Today Florida Gators Network Recruiting Reporters Jon Santucci and Nick Wilson Break Down Schools Dominating the July Recruiting Race

The month of July is often a turning point in the world of college football recruiting. It’s a time when summer visits, elite prospect camps, and accelerated decision timelines culminate in a flurry of commitments that shape the trajectory of recruiting classes nationwide. For the Florida Gators Network, USA Today recruiting reporters Jon Santucci and Nick Wilson have spent the past several weeks analyzing which schools are making the biggest splashes during this crucial stretch.

Their insights shed light on not only the programs stockpiling elite talent but also the strategies, regional dynamics, and recruiting battles that have defined July’s fast-paced landscape.

The Gators Among July’s Active Programs

The Florida Gators have certainly been part of the conversation, as head coach Billy Napier and his staff continue to pursue top-tier prospects to solidify their 2025 and 2026 classes. But while the Gators have had notable wins, Santucci and Wilson point to several programs—both regional and national—that have made the most noise thus far.

“The month of July is about momentum,” says Jon Santucci. “Whether you’re landing five-star guys or building depth with under-the-radar talent, the programs that own this month set themselves up for success heading into the season and beyond.”

SEC Programs Leading the Charge

As expected, the Southeastern Conference has flexed its recruiting muscle this month. According to Wilson, Georgia and Alabama continue to showcase their dominance, but they’re not alone.

“Schools like Tennessee, LSU, and even Auburn have been really aggressive with commitments,” Wilson explains. “It feels like there’s an arms race within the SEC to secure as much talent as possible before the season kicks off.”

Santucci emphasizes that while the Gators are competing well within this environment, other programs have surged ahead in pure numbers.

“Florida’s been selective this month, but you look at a school like Tennessee—they’ve added double-digit commits in a matter of weeks,” Santucci notes. “That’s a statement to the rest of the conference.”

National Powers Making Their Move

It’s not just an SEC show, though. Programs like Ohio State, Michigan, Oregon, and USC have had impressive hauls in July, signaling the broader national implications of this recruiting period.

“Ohio State’s ability to consistently reel in top-100 players, particularly at skill positions, has been evident,” says Wilson. “They’re building another class that could contend for No. 1 overall when it’s all said and done.”

The West Coast has also been active, with Oregon making headlines by securing commitments from multiple high-profile prospects, many of whom were heavily pursued by SEC programs.

“Oregon’s been aggressive nationally,” Santucci explains. “They’re not afraid to come into Florida, Texas, or Georgia and pull elite players out.”

Sunshine State Showdowns

Given their base with the Florida Gators Network, both reporters have kept a close eye on in-state recruiting battles. Florida, Florida State, and Miami remain locked in fierce competition for the Sunshine State’s elite talent.

“Florida State’s been on a roll lately,” Wilson says. “They’ve picked up key commitments at positions of need, and they’re winning some battles head-to-head with Florida and Miami.”

Miami, under Mario Cristobal, has also generated headlines with their recruiting approach, leveraging NIL opportunities and Cristobal’s national connections to stay competitive.

But the Gators remain a force, particularly with defensive recruits and in key South Florida pipelines.

“Florida’s defensive board is strong,” Santucci emphasizes. “They’re positioning themselves well with several elite defensive linemen and secondary prospects.”

Commitment Surges and Strategic Timelines

One of the most interesting dynamics highlighted by Santucci and Wilson is how schools are strategically pushing for commitments before the high school season begins.

“Coaches want their classes to be in place so they can focus on the season,” Wilson explains. “You’re seeing that urgency reflected in July’s recruiting activity.”

This strategy benefits both the schools and the players. Prospects who commit before their senior season often avoid distractions and can concentrate on their final year of high school football.

Santucci adds that some programs are better positioned than others to capitalize on this timeline.

“It’s about building momentum,” he says. “If you’re Georgia or Alabama, players want to jump in early. Other schools have to be more aggressive to convince guys to shut things down before the fall.”

The Role of Official Visits and Summer Showcases

Summer months, particularly June and July, are packed with official visits and showcase camps, providing critical evaluation opportunities for coaches and players alike.

“June sets the table, but July is when decisions start rolling in,” Wilson explains. “The top programs make those visits count.”

The Florida Gators have leveraged their summer schedule effectively, hosting key targets in Gainesville and building relationships that can lead to commitments down the line.

Santucci points out that the summer visit window has evolved into an arms race for program presentation.

“It’s not just about football facilities anymore,” he says. “It’s about the total package—academics, NIL, lifestyle, player development—all rolled into one impressive 48-hour window.”

Tracking Florida’s Top Targets

For the Gators, several key names have emerged as targets to watch during July’s commitment surge.

On the defensive side, prospects like five-star lineman Armondo Blount and elite cornerback DJ Pickett have been focal points. Offensively, Florida continues to pursue skill-position playmakers and offensive linemen who can elevate the class.

Wilson suggests that while Florida fans want instant fireworks, Napier’s staff is focused on building relationships and closing when the timing is right.

“Florida’s not panicking,” he says. “They’re in good spots with several blue-chip players, but these battles take time, especially against SEC and national powers.”

July’s Winners—and What’s Next

When asked to summarize which schools have “won” July so far, Santucci and Wilson highlight a few consistent names:

• Georgia: Continues to build elite depth, particularly on defense.
• Tennessee: Rapid commitment surge and strong positional balance.
• Ohio State: Dominating nationally, especially with offensive playmakers.
• Oregon: Flexing national reach with key commitments across regions.
• Florida State: Making significant in-state moves and winning high-profile battles.

But both reporters caution that recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint.

“July’s big, but December and February are when the real rankings get finalized,” Santucci explains. “Flipping season, late-rising prospects, and transfer portal factors all come into play.”

Wilson echoes the sentiment, noting that momentum can shift quickly.

“You can be hot in July, but if your season underperforms, that impacts the finish line,” he says. “Coaches know the work isn’t done just because the commitment graphic gets posted.”

The Gators’ Opportunity

For the Florida Gators, the message is clear: Stay competitive now, but position for a strong finish.

“Florida’s building, and they’ve had wins this month,” says Santucci. “But to stay with Georgia, Alabama, and the national elites, the next few months are crucial.”

With key targets still on the board, the Florida staff is working tirelessly to ensure the Gators remain in the thick of July’s recruiting action—and beyond.

As the commitment dominoes continue to fall, the eyes of the recruiting world, and the Sunshine State, remain fixed on which programs can convert summer success into signing day celebrations. And according to Jon Santucci and Nick Wilson, July is just the beginning of what promises to be a dramatic, high-stakes finish to the 2025 recruiting cycle.