Gators receive commitment from West Broward WR Joshua Moore

GAINESVILLE — Florida commit Joshua Moore of West Broward gave the Gators a big win against their in-state rivals in a key recruiting hotbed.

Moore announced his intentions Wednesday to sign with coach Billy Napier’s program instead of Florida State and Miami, despite his South Florida ties and the proximity of Pembroke Pines to the Hurricanes’ Coral Gables campus.

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Moore offers prototypical size and top-end production, totaling 100 catches for 1,869 yards and 20 touchdowns the past two seasons, according to MaxPreps. He is the nation’s 25th-rated receiver and No. 197 overall prospect, per 247Sports composite rankings.

Receiver depth is a concern for the 2024 Gators.

Eugene Wilson III is poised to become a star. After catching 61 passes and scoring 6 times in 2023, the 5-foot-10, 181-pound sophomore seized center stage during the spring game, finishing with 8 receptions for 128 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown.

Elijhah Badger, an Arizona State transfer, will push to fill the void left by first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, who compiled 98 catches, 1,626 yards and 12 total touchdowns in two seasons after also transferring from ASU.  The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Badger totaled 135 catches for 1,579 yards and 10 touchdowns the past two seasons.

Wisconsin transfer Chimere Dike, who spent three seasons with Gators’ quarterback Graham Mertz in Madison is in line for the third starting spot. Sure-handed former walk-on Khaleil Jackson is a proven veteran.

Moore eventually could join the mix with a cadre of promising young receivers, including sophomore Aidan Mizell, a former Orlando Boone standout, fleet-footed true freshmen Tank Hawkins and TJ Abrams, and redshirt freshmen Andy Jean, who has battled injuries.

Moore is the seventh commitment in the Gators’ 2025 class, joining, among others, follow 4-star prospects Jalen Wiggins, an edge rusher from Tallahassee, and Tampa Plant tailback Waltez Clark.

The Gators are pushing to land Orlando Jones’ star receiver Vernell Brown III, the son of former Gator Vernell Brown Jr. Brown, who has an offer from receiver-rich Ohio State, caught 70 passes for 1,363 yards and 10 scores in 2023.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com