Woah! Florida Gators head coach just delivered a major blow to rivals. Guessing how? Billy Napier added a major piece to the recruiting class. The big fish that the HC hooked is an elite four-star wide receiver prospect, Nae’Shaun Montgomery. As easy as it may sound, landing his commitment, Napier had to be a part of a tug-of-war with his rivals: LSU, Penn State, and Florida State.

However, in the end, he managed to rope in the player with a dash of cunning and craft. Now that Napier’s Cormani McClain plan has backfired, this turns out to be a backup plan. The HC is now walking on thin ice and is on the verge of losing his $51.8 million job.

A closer look at Billy Napier’s latest possession

For quite a long time, Napier had fixed his sight on Montgomery. And definitely, the Gators’ HC dream came true when the huge in-state pickup for Florida committed on Sunday, August 25. Based on the rankings, the WR has been doing quite well. As per the 247Sports Composite rankings, Montgomery carries with himself the No. 179 rank as an overall player and is ranked No. 18 wide receiver for the 2025 class. Listed at 6-foot-1, 165 pounds, all these made him a dream recruit option for the competitors.

That’s pretty evident from the back-to-back visits he had lined up. The Miami Central High School playmaker made trips to LSU, Penn State, and Florida State, and the list continued. Montgomery was also confident about boarding the Penn State bus, as on May 16, he tagged the HC Jube Joseph, stating, “We Coming.” But the WR had decided to toss away this plan later. However, what’s the special factor that drew him to Napier’s program? Montgomery stated, “Gator Nation I’m home let’s do it!” But why another WR when McClain is there? 

Billy Napier’s job on the line as his Cormani McClain plan backfired

During the 2024 transfer portal, McClain was that one player who caught all the eyeballs. Thanks to the hoopla surrounding his Buff’s exit, he put the heat on Deion Sanders’ herd, tagging them as “playing for clicks.” However, when he got into a “real program,” his expectations were high. But poor McClain! In Napier’s Gators hood, he has been tagged as “locker room cancer.” 

Nick de la Torre, a senior writer for On3 and GatorsOnline, highlighted that the WR has been taking things easy. “I was told that Cormani McClain has been late to most of the requirements (meetings, lift, etc)… Essentially, you get a warning, then you have to do extra run/lift… which he’s showed up late to ask well.” He lacked the maturity, leaving Napier’s HC post in big soup. But why?

Kevin Borba on the Locked on Buffs podcast once pointed out, “Billy Napier is on like the hot of seats like if Billy Napier struggles this year, he could be fired by week seven.” In 2021, Napier had signed a seven-year contract worth $51.8 million. And how could Napier risk his golden gig by banking on someone like McClain? Let’s see if Montgomery can pull Napier’s career out of the fire.