Florida’s Billy Napier lands “a leader” in elite WR Vernell Brown III, Gators jump in rankings

Billy Napier and the Florida Gators have made a significant breakthrough in their 2025 recruiting efforts by securing elite wide receiver Vernell Brown III. This commitment is pivotal for the Gators, who have been striving to gain momentum after a slow start in recruiting.

Vernell Brown III, a highly sought-after 5-foot-10.5, 173-pound wideout, had been pursued by top programs including Florida State, Miami and Ohio State. Ultimately, he felt that the Gators were the perfect fit following his official visit and public commitment to coach Billy Napier and his staff on Sunday.

"The program on the field is great and off the field, I can set myself up for life there," Brown III shared with On3. "The outside factor that the other schools couldn’t match was me being from Gainesville and growing up around there and then, having an opportunity to build on my family’s legacy."

Brown III, the only four-star recruit, is the top-rated player in Florida's 2025 recruitment class.

Moreover, the Gators were ranked No. 53 nationally and No. 15 in the SEC. However, after landing a commitment from Vernell Brown III, the Gators have jumped 22 spots to rank No. 31 nationally and No. 12 in the SEC, according to On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

"I want to be the one that recruits guys and brings them with me because I know as good of a player as I am, I can’t do it by myself," Brown III said. "I have no problem being the face of the class and recruiting others and I’m definitely going to be doing that. I’m ready to be the leader of this thing."

Ranked as the No. 4 player in Florida and the No. 33 overall prospect in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking, Vernell Brown III aspires to surpass the achievements of his father and grandfather, who also played for Florida.

"It brings that extra pride on gameday," Brown III added. "Representing their legacy is going to be really good, but ultimately, I want to be better than my dad and granddad and what they did. I want to be the best Brown to ever come through Florida."

Vernell Brown III to lead Florida Gators’ 2025 Recruiting Class

Vernell Brown III has developed a strong connection with Florida Gators coach Billy Napier and wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales during his recruitment.

"It's a really good staff and I love the staff," Brown III said. "Coach Billy Napier has done a really good job of trying to make Florida better overall and not just in football. It’s more than football to him."

Despite Florida's 5-7 (3-5 SEC) record last season, Brown III is optimistic about the team's future.

"This year will definitely signify the growth and development that they’re having," he said. "They signed a really good class in the 2024 cycle."

In an interview with Gators Online, Vernell Brown III highlighted his dynamic playing style and deep understanding of the game.

"Aside from all the athletic ability and all that, I’m extremely dynamic with the ball in my hand. I feel like there’s nobody in the country who could do what I do with the ball in their hands," he added.

During the 2023 season, Vernell Brown III recorded 70 receptions for 1,363 yards and 10 touchdowns.