Missouri pulls ahead of Florida to land top-100 WR commitment

Florida’s recruiting staff has been pushing for four-star IMG Academy receiver Donovan Olugbode over the past few months, but he committed to a different SEC program Friday.

IMG Academy wide receiver [autotag]Donovan Olugbode[/autotag] committed to the Missouri Tigers on Friday over Florida, Oregon, USC and Washington.

Olugbode announced his decision live on 247Sports’ YouTube channel surrounded by his family. He reviewed each of his top five schools with national college football recruiting analyst Tom Loy before revealing his choice.

“Billy Napier, him being a receiver guy, coming from Alabama and coaching guys at the receiver position there,” Olugbode said when asked why Florida was still in the race. “Him being an offensive coordinator and a good guy who knows a lot about the game. They have a good receivers coach too, Billy G.”

Olugbode said that he knew Missouri was home once he returned from his official visit in late June. He informed the coaches beforehand, which explains the pivot to Missouri among experts over the past week or so.

Before a July 2 prediction from On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons, the odds were split fairly evenly between Florida, Oregon and Washington.

Class of 2025 WRs connected to Florida

Despite missing out on Olugbode, a four-star recruit who played high school nearby, Florida still has a chance to put together one of the best receiver classes in the country.

Right now, West Broward four-star [autotag]Joshua Moore[/autotag] is the only receiver committed to Florida, but the Gators are in the hunt for at least two more elite pass catchers.

Florida is competing with FSU for in-state five-star [autotag]Vernell Brown III[/autotag] and is a heavy favorite to land Miami Central four-star Naeshaun Montgomery.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Official visit has Florida ‘up there’ for 4-star IMG Academy WR

Florida has been trending with IMG Academy 4-star receiver Donovan Olugbode for a while, and an official visit to The Swamp helped strengthen that connection.

June is all about official visits in the college football recruiting world, and Florida recently hosted one of the top receivers on its board from the class of 2025, four-star IMG Academy wideout [autotag]Donovan Olugbode[/autotag].

Being a few hours from Gainesville has allowed Olugbode a few opportunities to see the university and athletic facilities, but an official visit is a completely different experience. The red carpet is rolled out, and players get a lot more time around the coaching staff.

“It was definitely good to see them outside the football aspect, and more how they are as people,” Olugbode told Blake Alderman of Swamp247. “Met their families, learned more about what they like to do outside of football … It was awesome to sit down with Billy G and Nape to talk some more about the offense.”

Without divulging too many secrets, Florida gave Olugbode a look at Billy Napier’s offensive scheme and it feels like a good match. The Gators like to move guys around, and Olugbode has the versatility to play out wide and in the slot.

Florida battling Missouri and USC

Florida is the third of four official visits for Olugbode this summer. He’s already been to Washington and USC and is headed to Missouri next. The Tigers and Trojans are the two teams standing out, but Florida has always been near the top of his list.

“They’re definitely up there,” he said. “Right now I have everyone else up there too at the moment. I am trying to go into these OV’s with everyone in the same standing. Hear what everyone has to say, and then start figuring it all out after I’m done with them.”

Olugbode’s family joined him from Chicago for their first trip to Gainesville. It’s always a positive sign when the parents sign off the school, and Florida passed the test. No commitment date has been made public yet, but it could come as soon as July.

Recruiting Summary

Olugbode has earned four-star status everywhere but ESPN, where he is a three-star talent.

The On3 industry ranking, which considers all four major services, recently moved him up 55 spots to No. 117 nationally, and he’s also ranked No. 14 among wide receivers in the class of 2025. He made an even bigger jump in the 247Sports composite, moving up 73 spots to No. 121 nationally and No. 14 at his position.

The On3 recruiting prediction machine gives Florida increased odds to land a commitment from Olugbode following the official visit.

Last time we checked in, Florida was a 29.7% favorite. Now the Gators hold 39.8% odds, followed by Missouri (17.7%), Washington (15.2%) and USC (12.6%).

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Recruiting race tightening up for this Florida WR target out of IMG Academy

Florida has enjoyed a proximity advantage while recruiting IMG Academy wide receiver Brandon Olugbode, but will that hold off a serious push from Alabama or Ohio State.

Florida might be the front-runner in IMG Academy wide receiver [autotag]Donovan Olugbode[/autotag]’s recruitment right now, but the field is only going to get more saturated as the four-star recruit rises on recruiting boards.

According to Tom Loy of 247Sports, Alabama and Ohio State are two programs quietly pushing for the blue-chip Florida target. As summer visits pick up for Olugbode, the Buckeyes and Crimson Tide are looking for ways to get him on campus.

Olugbode visited Washington at the beginning of the month and is headed to USC tomorrow. Florida gets him June 14 and Missouri rounds out the June travel schedule, but one or both of the teams mentioned above could add a visit to that itinerary.

Recruiting Summary

Olugbode is a four-star recruit everywhere but ESPN, where he is a three-star talent. The On3 industry ranking and 247Sports composite consider all four major services and grant him that four-star status. He also jumped up both lists in the last month.

The On3 industry ranking bumped him up to No. 116 overall and No. 14 among receivers in the 2025 class after previously putting him at Nos. 172 and 21, respectively. On the 247Sports composite, he moved to Nos. 121 and 14 from Nos. 194 and 24.

A strong summer could see him push for top-100 status on both lists. He’s already inside the top 70 on 247Sports’ individual rankings.

Florida continues to lead the On3 recruiting prediction machine with 39.8% of the prediction — a month ago it was 29.7%. Washington has emerged as a serious No. 2 with 17.7% of the prediction, followed by USC (15.2%) and Oregon (12.6%).

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

USC is among top schools for four-star WR Donovan Olugbode

If USC doesn’t get as many defensive linemen as it needs, it will need to score more. Hence, a wide receiver could have more value.

Bradenton (Florida) IMG Academy four-star wide receiver Donovan Olugbode has narrowed down his list of schools to USC, Missouri, Washington, Oregon and Florida, according to On3’s Chad Simmons. This is another USC football recruiting foray for a wide receiver at a point in time when defensive and offensive linemen are the program’s foremost needs.

Olugbode is coming off an official visit to Washington over the weekend, and will visit the Trojans from May 31-June 2 and the Florida Gators from June 14-16. Olugbode also plans to officially visit the Missouri Tigers on the weekend of May 25 and the Oregon Ducks in early June.

As a junior, Olugbode pulled in 31 receptions for 561 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 18.1 yards per reception and 62.3 yards per contest in nine games played.

He is rated by On3 as the No. 11 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 15 player in the state of Florida. He’s also rated as the No. 90 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class.

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire. Follow our newest sites, UW Huskies Wire and UCLA Wire.

Check out more NFL draft coverage with the USA TODAY Sports NFL Draft Hub.

Oregon lands among top schools for 4-star WR Donovan Olugbode

The Ducks landed among the top schools for 4-star WR Donovan Olugbode in the class of 2025.

We’re still in the early stages of the 2025 recruiting cycle, but the Oregon Ducks are picking up some steam. Junior Adams, the Ducks’ wide receiver’s coach has been especially effective so far, securing three commitments, and landing in the top five of Donovan Olugbode, a 4-star receiver.

Originally from Aurora, Illinois, Olugbode transferred to IMG Academy — a blue chip factory — as a sophomore. In his two seasons at IMG, Olugbode has earned himself a high volume of targets and receptions, especially for someone in such a loaded receiving corps.

2025 recruits still have a full season to play before choosing schools, but as of now, Olugbode is ranked as the No. 27 wide receiver by 247Sports, and On3Sports has him at No. 23. Alongside Oregon in his top-five, Olugbode listed Washington and USC, two rivals the Ducks won’t want to lose a recruiting battle with.

On tape, Olugbode’s hands stand out the most. No matter the degree of difficulty, Olugbode seems to haul it in if his quarterback gives him a chance, and with his length and wingspan, his catch radius is massive. His ability to track the ball, especially on deep throws is impressive as well. Some scouts have concerns about Olugbode’s speed, but in high school, it hasn’t been a problem.

In the class of 2025, Oregon already has three wide receiver commits: Dallas Wilson, Isaiah Mozee, and Cooper Perry, and they’ll be joining an already crowded room. Wilson (No. 6) and Mozee (No. 22) are rated higher than Olugbode by 247Sports, but On3Sports has him above Mozee.

If Olugbode chooses the Ducks, it will be difficult for him, along with the rest of Oregon’s 2025 WR recruits, to break into the starting lineup. But in the transfer portal era, overloading at wide receiver may be a good strategy, because it ensures heavy competition and that the best will rise to the top.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Florida one of several teams getting 4-star WR for official visit

Florida is one of several schools that will host IMG Academy wide receiver Donovan Olugbode on an official visit over the summer.

Florida is one of several programs hosting IMG Academy wide receiver [autotag]Donovan Olugbode[/autotag] on an official visit this summer, according to 247Sports.

Olugbode has several official visits set up over the next few months. His latest timeline has him at Washington on May 3, USC on May 30, Florida on June 14 and either Missouri or Oregon on June 21.

While it may seem like Olugbode is overloading his travel schedule, that’s because he’s preparing to make a decision and clear his mind ahead of his senior year.

“Regarding a decision, don’t be surprised if Olugbode makes a commitment before the start of his senior season,” Tom Loy of 247Sports said. “The schools are starting to separate themselves and he could be in line to make a pledge after that last official visit in June.”

That means Florida needs to wow Olugbode when he gets in town. There are only two weekends left in June after his scheduled visit to the Swamp, giving Florida a chance to make a more lasting impression.

“As of today, I don’t think there is a clear-cut leader. All schools seem to be giving him a lot to think about and these final visits will play a major role in his commitment.”

Recruiting Summary

Olugbode has earned four-star status everywhere but ESPN, where he is a three-star talent. The On3 industry ranking, which considers all four major services, puts him at No. 172 overall and No. 21 among receivers in the 2025 class. The 247Sports composite has him slightly lower at Nos. 194 and 24, respectively.

The On3 recruiting prediction machine gives Florida the best odds to land commitment from Olugbode with 29.7%, followed by USC (26.0%), Oregon (22.2%) and Illinois (6.6%).

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Florida impresses 4-star IMG Academy WR during spring practice

Florida is working on getting IMG Academy four-star receiver Donovan Olugbodes back on campus for an OV after a successful weekend visit.

After plans fell through to visit the Swamp on Thursday, IMG Academy wide receiver [autotag]Donovan Olugbode[/autotag] made time to stop by the University of Florida on Saturday.

Olugbode left town far more intrigued with the Orange and Blue than he expected, according to Swamp247. Getting a look at a new offense in person and seeing DJ Lagway work will have that effect. He’s also close with receiver Jerrae Hawkins from their time together at IMG.

“We talked a lot about how much he likes it,” Olugbode said of his conversations with Hawkins. “Just talking about the things they have. He talks a lot about Lagway. He talks about how easy the offense is to learn. He said you can play fast out there.”

A smooth and efficient practice on Saturday backed up Hawkins’ claims. Olugbode made note of wide receivers coach Billy Gonzalez’s knowledge and passion for the game.

Official visit in the works?

The next step for Olugbode and Florida would be to organize an official visit, but a buy summer travel schedule has those plans up in the air.

“I have all my dates put out for June official visits,” he said. “I was going to try and work some things out so I can get Florida for an official visit. Nothing set, but I am thinking about getting there possibly.”

There’s a lot of hedging going on in that statement, so Olugbode is far from a lock to get back on campus. This trip did a lot for Florida, though, so maybe he’ll make room.

Recruiting summary

Olugbode is No. 145 overall and No. 18 among wide receivers in the class of 2025, according to the 247Sports composite, and the On3 industry ranking has him at No. 135 nationally and No. 17 at his position.

On3s Recruiting Prediction Machine favors Florida with a 37.2% chance to land a commitment from Olugbode, but USC is close behind with 32.6% odds. Illinois (9.9%) is the only other program with more than a 1% chance, according to the RPM.

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

UGA football offers elite WR Donovan Olugbode

The Georgia Bulldogs have offered another IMG Academy prospect

Wide receiver recruit Donovan Olugbode practices against elite level high school competition at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

Olugbode is an unranked recruit in the class of 2025 who has recent scholarship offers from Florida, Wisconsin, TCU, Louisville and Tennessee. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound wide receiver also attended a summer football camp at Iowa.

Olugbode is an explosive athlete with excellent acceleration. The talented wide receiver prospect previously played high school football for Montini Catholic High School in Lombard, Illinois. Olugbode is capable of running quarterback-friendly routes and does a good job of tracking the ball in the air.

Olugbode also plays high school basketball.

He announced his scholarship offer from Georgia football and wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon via Twitter:

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz2y40j067srkf player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

[vertical-gallery id=83796]

Tennessee offers wide receiver from IMG Academy

Tennessee offers wide receiver from IMG Academy.

Second-year Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel and his staff continue to recruit future Vols.

The Vols have offered 2025 wide receiver prospect Donovan Olugbode.

“Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Tennessee,” Olugbode announced Wednesday.

The 6-foot-2, 175-pound wide receiver is from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

He has scholarship offers from the Vols, Colorado, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska.

The 2022 early signing period is taking place Dec. 21-23 for the 2023 recruiting class.

2022 early signing period: Tracking Tennessee’s signees

As Heupel and No. 6 Tennessee (10-2, 6-2 SEC) continue to recruit, the Vols will play No. 7 Clemson (11-2, 8-0 ACC) in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 30.

Kickoff between the Vols and Tigers is slated for 8 p.m. EST (ESPN) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz9dkec01s6y18 player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]

[vertical-gallery id=66363]

Updating 9 recent Iowa Hawkeyes football offers across the 2023, 2024, 2025 classes

Who has Iowa football extended offers to recently? Here’s a look at the Hawkeyes’ recent targets across the 2023, 2024 and 2025 classes.

As the summer and camp season rolls on for Iowa, a number of athletes have picked up offers and preferred walk-on opportunities with the Hawkeyes. Here’s a look at nine recent targets across the 2023, 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes.