Image source: Maddie Washburn, UAA

What seemed like a newsworthy National Signing Day for the Florida Gators in early December never included the fireworks many expected. Weeks later, however, the big fish that many expected the Gators to land that day appears to have finally been hooked.

Five-star wide receiver Dallas Wilson (Tampa, Fla.) will reportedly end a nearly two-year commitment to Oregon by opting out of his financial aid package with the school and instead look to sign with Florida, according to multiple reports, including one from 247Sports.

Rumors of a move to UF emerged late Tuesday before the early signing period began; However, Wilson quickly announced that he had signed with the Ducks on National Signing Day, leading many to believe that the Gators were once again being used to tease a high school prospect in order to raise his profile in one day sharpen the point at which he had already made a different decision.

Instead, there were clearly real flames hanging from that smoke. If Wilson signs with Florida as expected, he will become the program’s highest-rated prospect in the 2025 class.

Wilson (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) had been committed to Oregon since January 2023 only for a late visit to Florida, where he appeared to have changed his mind about staying close to home. Ultimately, he would be the 13th player head coach Billy Napier has poached from a rival or Power Four program since the win over LSU.

As the No. 20 overall player in the 247Sports Composite, Wilson would be the Gators’ top prospect ahead of fellow five-star WR Vernell Brown III (Orlando, FL). With Brown taken at No. 39 overall, Florida would have the nation’s best one-two punch of new wideouts to serve as premier weapons for quarterback DJ Lagway.

With Wilson on board, the Gators would move up another spot to No. 10 in the 247Sports Composite team rankings. UF was ranked No. 43 before the LSU game after falling as low as No. 51 in early November.

Considering where Florida got its start a few weeks ago, this rise in such a short period of time is unlike anything the program has experienced from a recruiting perspective in its history.