Top-50 recruit, 4-star WR Davian Groce signs with Florida Gators

The crown jewel of Florida’s 2026 recruiting class, Frisco receiver Davian Groce, signed with the Gators just before 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

The Gators held off a strong push from Oklahoma to land the top-50 recruit, with meetings continuing into Tuesday. Groce pledged his services to Florida back in August after the Gators shot up his board following a summer official visit. Fears of a flip were very real, but it’s a testament to Florida’s recruiting staff to retain Groce and sign him on the first day of the early period.

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Wide receivers coach and interim head coach Billy Gonzales led Florida’s recruiting push for Groce, and his ability to get players to the next level impressed. Before he made the decision, Groce wanted to connect with new Florida coach Jon Sumrall to gain some clarity. Groce’s quiet nature on the recruiting front kept things somewhat of a mystery. His only visit anywhere all season was to Florida for the win over Texas.

“I feel like Florida treated me and my family the best,” Groce said to 247Sports. “I feel like with the head coach being a receivers coach and the receivers coach being one of the more seasoned coaches in college. I just think with me being a wide receiver, it’s the best choice for me as far as going to the NFL and transitioning into being a full-time receiver.”

While he’s listed as a wide receiver on Florida’s national signing day page, many initially viewed Groce as a running back with verified track speed. Similar to fellow signee Justin Williams, he could see time out of the backfield or running the ball on end-arounds. His improvement in the slot opens the door for a position change at the next level, which is expected by both him and Florida. He has been compared to former Florida Gator Percy Harvin, who could do it all.

Groce climbed the 247Sports composite rankings all year, starting at No. 93 and reaching No. 49 by signing day.

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Player Profile

Player Notes

• Rated as a 4-star recruit by the primary recruiting services (Rivals, 247 Sports and ESPN).

• Touted as the second-best WR and the 44th-ranked player nationally. Tabbed as the fourth-ranked recruit out of Texas.

• Selected to the 2025 Navy All-American Bowl.

• Named a three-time Dallas Morning News Utility Player of the Year.

• Represented the Dallas Cowboys at the Nike Next One Program.

• Held status as a Second Team All-State Returner in 2024.

• Totaled over 4,600 career yards via the air and ground, accumulating 48 touchdowns.

• 2025: Recorded 8 carries for 135 yards and 2 TDs, as well as 37 receptions for 890 yards and 12 TDs.

• 2024: Played at both WR and RB, gaining 1,400 yards from scrimmage and 12 TDs with 3 kick/punt return TDs (11.8 yards per carry, 16.3 yards per reception).

• 2023: Accounted for 1,800 scrimmage yards and 22 TDs (7.67 yards per carry, 19.1 yards per reception).

• Texas 5A 200m state champion (20.52).

• Selected Florida over Arizona State, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Wisconsin, among others.

Recruiting Summary

Gabe Brooks, 247Sports Scouting Analyst:

“High-level receiver prospect who has been viewed as a RB and an offensive ATH in earlier evaluations. Previously looked more explosive relative to position at RB, but senior tape shows a dynamic perimeter weapon who can stretch the field vertically or hit the long ball as a catch-and-run short-game target. Screams down the seam from the slot with speed verified on the track, including a Texas 5A gold medal-winning 200-meter time. Above average short-area suddenness sets up turbo-charged linear speed. Showing better route technique and body control as a pass catcher. Combines that body control with spatial awareness to present a contested-catch weapon who’s also consistently mindful of the boundaries. Missed first four games of senior season with a back injury. Projects as a high-major big-play option who could become a bona fide NFL Draft prospect. Varied positional experience should only help long-term trajectory.”

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football recruiting signs 4-star WR Davian Groce