Florida Gators Left Behind as IMG 4‑Star Edge Jake Kreul Narrows Finalists to Oklahoma, Ole Miss & Texas…read more…
In a significant development on the college football recruiting trail, four-star edge rusher Jake Kreul, a highly coveted defensive talent out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, has officially narrowed down his list of top schools to Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and Texas — notably leaving out the Florida Gators.
For Billy Napier and the Gators’ coaching staff, this represents a disappointing miss in what has otherwise been a momentum-building offseason. Kreul, ranked as one of the top 20 edge rushers in the 2025 class by multiple recruiting services, had long been considered a realistic in-state target for Florida. However, with his top three now firmly set, the Gators are on the outside looking in as Kreul inches closer to a commitment that could shake up the college football landscape.
A Rising Star with National Appeal
Jake Kreul is no ordinary recruit. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 235 pounds, Kreul brings a rare blend of length, speed, and technique that has made him a standout at IMG Academy — a school known for producing top-tier college and NFL talent. His ability to set the edge, collapse the pocket, and drop into coverage when necessary has turned heads across the country.
Kreul has been praised not only for his athleticism but also for his football IQ and leadership on and off the field. He plays with relentless effort, often outworking more naturally gifted players due to his detailed approach to preparation. Kreul totaled 12 sacks and 19 tackles for loss during the 2024 season, drawing the attention of Power Five coaches coast to coast.
Florida’s Pursuit Falls Short
The Gators had long targeted Kreul as a key addition to their 2025 recruiting class, which has been shaping up with a strong defensive core. Florida was one of the first SEC programs to offer Kreul, and the staff made multiple visits to Bradenton to try and establish a relationship with both the player and his family.
However, it appears that despite the proximity and early interest, Florida failed to secure a spot in Kreul’s top three. While the exact reasons remain speculative, sources close to the recruitment suggest that Kreul is looking for a system where he can flourish immediately, both schematically and developmentally — and he views the three remaining programs as offering better opportunities in that regard.
Another factor may be Florida’s recent inconsistency on defense and turnover on the coaching staff, which may have impacted Kreul’s perception of stability and development potential in Gainesville.
The Final Three: What Set Them Apart?
Kreul announced his finalists via social media on Monday evening, posting a graphic featuring Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and Texas. Each of these programs brings a unique appeal, and it’s clear Kreul has done his homework.
Oklahoma
The Sooners have been aggressive in pursuing defensive talent as they continue their transition into the SEC. Under head coach Brent Venables — a defensive mind with a proven track record from his Clemson days — Oklahoma has built a strong pitch around player development, early playing time, and elite competition. Kreul visited Norman in June and came away impressed with the facilities and coaching staff’s transparency.
Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin’s Rebels continue to make waves on the recruiting trail, and Kreul’s inclusion of Ole Miss may surprise some, but it reflects how Kiffin’s program is viewed as innovative and player-friendly. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding has laid out a clear plan for Kreul’s development as a hybrid edge rusher in his 3-4 system, and the Rebels’ SEC West pedigree gives them a legitimate shot.
Texas
The Longhorns are gearing up for their first full season in the SEC, and they are recruiting like a program determined to make a splash. Kreul’s official visit to Austin reportedly went exceptionally well. The Texas staff, led by Steve Sarkisian and DC Pete Kwiatkowski, offered Kreul a chance to be a cornerstone player in their pass rush rotation, selling him on NIL opportunities, early playing time, and a path to the NFL.
What This Means for Florida
For Florida, missing out on Kreul stings — especially since the Gators are trying to lock down in-state blue-chip talent as part of their identity under Napier. With other top in-state targets still on the board, including fellow edge rushers and defensive linemen, this latest snub may serve as a wake-up call.
The Gators still have some momentum with other defensive recruits like four-star DL Zion Grady and linebacker Gavin Nix, but Kreul was seen as a key piece to an elite front-seven class. Losing him to another SEC rival, especially one like Ole Miss or Texas, would also raise concerns about Florida’s positioning among their conference peers in recruiting battles.
Kreul’s Timeline and What’s Next
According to sources close to his camp, Kreul is eyeing a mid-August commitment date, which would allow him to enter his senior season at IMG with his recruitment behind him. He plans to make return visits to his top three schools in July before sitting down with his family to make a final decision.
“Right now, I’m just looking for the best fit — somewhere I can be developed, challenged, and feel like part of a family,” Kreul said during an interview last week. “It’s been a crazy process, but I’m trusting my gut and listening to the people I trust.”
While there’s always the possibility of late twists in the recruiting game — especially in the NIL era — for now, Florida appears to be out of the picture barring a dramatic change.
Final Thoughts
Jake Kreul’s exclusion of Florida from his final list is a stark reminder of how competitive and nuanced recruiting has become in today’s college football world. With top-tier prospects like Kreul holding all the leverage, programs must not only identify talent early but also consistently build trust, show development success, and deliver a coherent vision for the player’s future.
As Kreul nears his decision, one of Oklahoma, Ole Miss, or Texas is poised to land a game-changing talent who could become a household name in college football. For Florida, the search for elite edge pressure continues — and so does the pressure to win the battles that define programs.
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IMG Academy’s Jake Kreul names his top three schools — and the Florida Gators are nowhere to be found. What went wrong in Gainesville? 🐊❌🔥 #CFBRecruiting #Gators #JakeKreul #IMGAcademy #SEC
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