The Florida Gators continue to make major waves on the recruiting trail as they land another key piece to bolster their offensive front. On Thursday, Saint Stephen (S.C.) Timberland standout Desmond Green, a four-star interior offensive lineman, announced his commitment to the Gators. Green chose Florida over a competitive group of top-tier programs, including Georgia, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.
Green, who measures in at an imposing 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, is currently rated as the No. 7 interior offensive lineman in the nation according to Rivals. His recruitment had been closely followed in recent weeks, with multiple insiders—including On3’s Steve Wiltfong and Florida analysts Blake Alderman and Corey Bender—predicting that Gainesville would be his ultimate destination. Now, that projection has come to fruition, delivering a significant boost to the Gators’ 2026 class.
Offensive Line Building Blocks
With Green’s pledge, the Gators now have five offensive linemen committed for the 2026 cycle—an area of emphasis for head coach Billy Napier and his staff. The group already features four-star guard G’Nivre Carr, three-star tackles Chancellor Campbell and Javarii Luckas, and four-star tackle Tyler Chukuyem. Adding Green, a true interior force, brings more balance to the class and gives the Gators a strong foundation in the trenches.
Green’s commitment also marks the 14th overall for Florida in the 2026 cycle and the 12th recruit to join the class during a busy month of June. Florida’s coaching staff has clearly been working overtime on the recruiting trail, and the results are beginning to reflect that effort.
Why Florida?
For Green, the decision ultimately came down to comfort and culture. Florida made a strong impression throughout his recruitment process, creating an atmosphere that felt like home.
“I just feel comfortable over here,” Green said about Florida. “I feel like I’m home. That’s probably a big thing for me.”
That sense of belonging has become a recurring theme among Florida’s 2026 commits, signaling that the Gators are building not just a talented group, but a cohesive one—players who want to be part of something bigger.
More Help on the Way?
The Gators might not be finished adding to their offensive line haul just yet. Four-star tackle Claude Mpouma is scheduled to announce his commitment on Sunday, and Florida appears to be the frontrunner after a successful official visit on June 15. If Mpouma joins the fold, the Gators’ offensive line class could rise to six members, putting them among the most dominant units in the country.
Class Ranking on the Rise
Prior to Green’s announcement, Florida’s 2026 recruiting class was ranked No. 17 nationally by 247Sports. With his addition, and potentially more on the horizon, that ranking is expected to climb. The Gators remain in strong contention for several highly rated prospects, and the coaching staff’s aggressive recruiting strategy appears to be paying off.
As the momentum builds, all eyes are on Gainesville as Florida continues to construct one of its most promising recruiting classes in recent memory.
Stay tuned with Florida Gators on Sports Illustrated for up-to-date coverage on all the latest recruiting news, official visits, and future commitments via our dedicated 2026 Recruiting Tracker.