The Florida Gators received a significant boost on the recruiting trail this week with the commitment of kicker Evan Noel, a 2025 recruit who recently flipped his pledge from Arkansas to Florida. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound kicker from Mississippi is widely regarded as the top kicker in the 2025 class and is ranked as the 58th overall prospect from the state. His commitment is not only a win for Florida but also a sign that the Gators’ recruiting efforts might be gaining momentum as they look to build their 2025 class.
Noel’s decision to decommit from Arkansas and switch to Florida is noteworthy. He had been committed to the Razorbacks since October 2023, and his flip signals a shift in his priorities and possibly a greater alignment with Florida’s program. He made the announcement via social media, a move often accompanied by the now-familiar “sunglasses emoji” from Gators head coach Billy Napier, signaling another win on the recruiting trail.
Noel’s recruitment has been under close watch for some time, particularly because of his impressive performances during his high school career. This season, he set a new state record in Mississippi for the longest field goal in a game, nailing a 61-yard kick. His ability to consistently hit long-distance field goals will make him a coveted prospect for any college program, and Florida is thrilled to have secured his services.
Despite having verbally committed to Arkansas for over a year, Noel has been visiting Gainesville regularly, including attending the Gators’ dominant 49-7 victory over UCF on October 5. His visits, along with his family’s favorable impressions of both the campus and the community, seem to have played a significant role in his decision to switch his commitment to Florida. The Gators’ campus, coupled with the prospect of developing under Florida’s coaching staff, was clearly an appealing factor for Noel.
One of the key reasons for Noel’s decision is likely the opportunity to compete for playing time, though he would likely have to wait behind Florida’s current kicker, Trey Smack, for at least a year. Smack is the incumbent, and Florida has expressed a desire to bring in a high-quality kicker to develop in 2025, with an eye toward having him ready to take over the job in future seasons. Noel seems to be accepting of the situation, understanding that he may have to battle for playing time but looking forward to learning and developing from Smack and the coaching staff.
“It’s all about development for me,” Noel told Swamp 247. “I’d have to sit behind Trey for a year, or at least be in a position battle with him. But I’m excited to get there, learn from Trey, and then be ready to go the next year.”
The Gators’ 2025 recruiting class is currently ranked 45th nationally, a drop-off from their impressive seventh-place finish in 2024. While it’s understandable to be concerned about the class’s early ranking, the uncertainty surrounding Billy Napier’s job status has made it more challenging to sell Florida to recruits. The lack of long-term stability in the program has likely made many recruits hesitant to commit, but Noel’s flip is a sign that Florida is still able to land top-tier talent, even amidst these challenges.
This recruitment victory could signal a turning point for Florida’s 2025 class. With several months remaining until signing day, the Gators could still see a late surge in commitments, especially if they can build on the momentum of Noel’s decision. Given that Noel is a top-tier kicker and the Gators are in need of special teams help, his commitment could be the catalyst for a strong finish to the 2025 recruiting cycle.
