'Confidence is growing around Gainesville' — Florida Gators are trending for five-star recruit thanks to one key element
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The Florida Gators are doing a great job when it comes to recruiting. Head coach Jon Sumrall has done a great job during his two-plus months in charge of the program. They landed the number 12 transfer portal class led by quarterback Aaron Philo and wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr.
With the transfer portal now closed, the Gators have shifted their focus toward recruiting the high school ranks. They landed four-star cornerback Amare Nugent at the end of January, and are working multiple other recruits.
Florida Gators are trending for five-star offensive lineman
One of the biggest targets for the Gators is five-star offensive lineman Maxwell Hiller. He is the 11th overall recruit and top interior offensive lineman per the Rivals’ Industry Ranking. They got back into the picture with the hiring of offensive line coach and former Gators left tackle Phil Trautwein.
Hiller named his top four teams over the weekend, and the Gators made the list, but it’s how they got there that has them trending in the right direction. Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong believes the Gators are rising fast.
“My prediction is on the Crimson Tide but the Gators are rising fast. He said that Florida is now running even and that’s solely based on one visit last month and his long-standing relationship with potential position coach Phil Trautwein who is now at his alma mater after a long stint at Penn State,” wrote Wiltfong.
It’s no surprise that Trautwein has done a really good job in maximizing his relationship with Hiller. That has turned into the Gators gaining serious momentum, as Trautwein re-offering Hiller was an important first step. Trautwein has also hosted Hiller a whopping 13 times on campus (12 times in Happy Valley), with another official visit set to occur in June.
All of that momentum is making a serious impact, and the vibe around the program in Gainesville is improving.
“Talking to sources, confidence is definitely growing around Gainesville as well,” said Wiltfong.
Landing a player like Hiller would be massive for the start of Sumrall’s tenure.
This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Feb 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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