‘I Still Get the Chills When I Talk About’ — 4-Star QB Will Griffin Reveals Powerful Reason for Committing to Florida

Florida Gators quarterback commit Will Griffin joined 247Sports national analyst Tom Loy and director of scouting Andrew Ivins at the Elite 11 Finals on Tuesday. He detailed his recruitment and why Billy Napier’s program stood out.

Will Griffin Opens Up About Florida Gators Recruitment

Griffin is tabbed as the No. 15 overall quarterback in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. The in-state passer always had a soft spot for Gainesville, but he realized as he kept his options open that he was always destined to be a Gator.

“Obviously, my dad went there, some family members, I’ve been going there since I was young,” Griffin said. “(It’s) not too far from home. But the truth is I put all of that aside, really. I went to 40-something unofficial visits. I went coast to coast, all the way from Ohio State down to Miami, west coast, USC to Tennessee, right? I went everywhere.”

Griffin said he weighed different factors, including the coaches and relationships he was able to build during the process. He paid attention to who wanted him the most.

“It came down to Florida,” Griffin said. “I feel like it brought me back. There was just something there. I mean, I still get the chills a little bit when I talk about it. But it’s just a great place. It’s a great place to be. I’m looking forward to it.

“Like, seven, eight more months, I’ll be there ready to compete. We’re surrounded by some great players, too. I feel like it’s really a family. I was around other colleges and it felt like it was just a bunch of talent. Florida’s like a home.”

Griffin helped steer Tampa Jesuit to a 7-4 record last season, reaching the regional semifinals of the state playoffs. He passed for 2,213 yards, 24 touchdowns and four interceptions.

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“Physically-gifted quarterback with ready-to-play bulk that can beat coverages at all three levels, but one that has to get more consistent,” Ivins said of Griffin in a scouting report earlier this year. “Has some developmental upside given the total package (compact release, large features, sack avoidance), but is likely going to need some time to adjust to the speed of the college game.

“Should be viewed as a potential multi-year starter at the Power Four level that’s always going to be attractive to Sunday evaluators because of his size, natural arm strength and athletic movement patterns.”