The Florida Gators made a major splash on the recruiting trail with the commitment of four-star defensive tackle Kendall Guervil, a key addition to their 2025 class and a significant boost for head coach Billy Napier’s defense.
Guervil, a 6-foot-2, 295-pound interior lineman out of Miami (FL), chose the Gators over strong interest from Florida State, Miami, and LSU. Ranked among the top 25 defensive tackles nationally by 247Sports, Guervil brings a rare combination of size, strength, and quickness to the trenches. His decision marks one of Florida’s biggest wins in the 2025 cycle and reinforces the program’s growing momentum on the recruiting front.
“I felt at home in Gainesville,” Guervil said in his commitment announcement. “The coaches really made me feel like family, and I believe in what Coach Napier is building there. I want to be a part of something special.”
Guervil visited Florida multiple times during the spring and summer, with his most recent trip — an official visit in June — helping seal the deal. He spent time with the coaching staff, toured the facilities, and connected with current players on the roster. Defensive line coach Sean Spencer was instrumental in Guervil’s recruitment, developing a strong relationship that made a lasting impression.
“Coach Spencer keeps it real with me,” Guervil said. “He pushes his players to be great, and I know I’ll get developed under him — not just as a player, but as a person too.”
Known for his explosiveness off the snap and ability to collapse the pocket, Guervil has dominated at the high school level. In his junior season, he recorded 58 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks, often drawing double-teams and still managing to disrupt plays. Scouts praise his motor, low pad level, and instincts against both the run and the pass.
For Florida, Guervil fills a crucial need on the defensive line. The Gators have prioritized rebuilding their front seven to compete in the SEC, and adding a blue-chip talent like Guervil is a step in the right direction. His commitment is also seen as a recruiting win within the state of Florida, where elite prospects are often courted by multiple powerhouses.
With Guervil on board, Florida’s 2025 class now features multiple top-100 prospects and is climbing the national rankings. He becomes the fourth defensive lineman to commit to the Gators this cycle, and arguably the most impactful.
Analysts view Guervil’s decision as a sign that the Gators are gaining credibility among elite recruits again, particularly in talent-rich South Florida.
“This is a statement pickup for Florida,” said 247Sports recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins. “Guervil is the kind of player who can anchor a defensive line for years. Winning his commitment over FSU and Miami shows that Florida is making serious moves on the trail.”
As Guervil looks ahead to his senior season and early enrollment plans, Gators fans have every reason to be excited. His talent, leadership, and drive make him a cornerstone piece for the future of Florida’s defense.
And for Billy Napier, this is exactly the type of win that helps build a contender in the SEC.