Top CFB Recruit Davian Groce Commits to Florida over Oklahoma After Late 'Negotiating'

Florida has landed a top recruit in the class of 2026, beating out Oklahoma after late "negotiating."

Per Rivals' Hayes Fawcett, 4-star wide receiver Davian Groce committed to the Gators. Rivals' Steve Wiltfong reported that Groce's father said they were having “little final negotiating” conversations on Monday, with Florida and Oklahoma as his top schools.

Groce is considered to be the No. 47 player, the No. 4 athlete and No. 5 player in the state of Texas in the class of 2026 by 247Sports' composite rankings. Along with Florida and Oklahoma, Baylor and Houston were in the mix to land Groce.

The race came down to the Gators and Sooners, and Groce ultimately went with Billy Napier's squad.

“He had a few things he wanted to run by all the schools,” Groce’s father Rashad told Wiltfong. “A little final negotiating point from his side and see what they thought and where they meet him on it and get the business part out of the way and make his decision off that.”

Groce's father said his son's decision came down to Florida's pursuit of him.

“Florida came on real strong,” he said. “When he narrowed it down to Florida, it was like where did they come from. Class-act coaching staff over there. They showed a lot of interest and consistent interest. I got to know the coaches on every team he finalized it too and they have a good coaching staff over there.”

While it's still somewhat early in the recruiting process, Florida's class of 2026 is starting to take shape. The Gators now have nine 4-star commits and boast the No. 13 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.

As he awaits a talented class of 2026, Napier will look to build on a strong 2024 season. After going 8-5 a year ago, there's plenty of hype heading into the season for the Gators, and they'll get the year started with a matchup against Long Island on Aug. 30.