Florida Gators Bring Back Veteran Core From 8-5 Season With Several Players Poised for NFL Stardom in 2026 Draft Class

The Florida Gators enter the 2025 season with one of the most experienced and NFL-ready rosters in college football. After finishing last season with an 8-5 record under head coach Billy Napier, the Gators are reloaded and rejuvenated with a strong nucleus of returning starters who opted to delay their NFL dreams for one more shot at glory in Gainesville. The return of multiple key contributors on both sides of the ball has created a sense of urgency and optimism within the program, and the 2025 campaign is shaping up to be pivotal not just for Florida’s chances in the SEC, but also for the NFL trajectories of a handful of players who are already drawing attention from pro scouts.

At the forefront of this veteran group is offensive lineman Jake Slaughter, the redshirt senior center who earned All-American and All-SEC honors last season. Slaughter’s return may be the single most important development of the offseason for Florida, as he anchors a line that has transformed into one of the most formidable units in the conference. A technician with elite hand placement, awareness, and footwork, Slaughter was widely projected as a top interior line prospect before deciding to come back for one more year of development. Alongside him is Austin Barber, an athletic and aggressive left tackle who only allowed two sacks all last season. Barber is already listed on multiple early draft boards and is expected to be among the first offensive tackles selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Quarterback DJ Lagway is another major storyline entering the new season. After flashing brilliance in a limited role during his freshman year—throwing for over 1,900 yards and 12 touchdowns—Lagway is now entrenched as the starter with a full offseason under his belt. His growth, maturity, and connection with his returning receivers will be instrumental in elevating the Gators’ offense to the next level. Lagway is protected by a veteran offensive line, led by Slaughter and Barber, and will be throwing to dynamic playmakers such as Eugene Wilson III, a receiver who made waves in 2023 but battled injury last year. Wilson, now fully healthy, is widely expected to have a breakout season and is already appearing on early NFL prospect lists due to his explosive speed and crisp route running.

Florida’s returning strength is not limited to the offensive side of the ball. On defense, the Gators boast two of the most highly-regarded linemen in the SEC in Caleb Banks and Tyreak Sapp. Banks, a disruptive interior lineman, posted 4.5 sacks and proved his ability to collapse pockets from the inside. His decision to stay for one more season instead of declaring for the draft surprised some analysts, but Banks has stated publicly that he wants to improve his stock and help the team compete for a championship. Sapp, an edge rusher with a relentless motor, had a breakout year in 2024, tallying seven sacks and over a dozen tackles for loss. His return solidifies Florida’s pass rush and gives them a cornerstone defender capable of wreaking havoc in both the run and passing game.

The secondary also returns some key figures, including cornerbacks Devin Moore and Cormani McClain. Moore, who showed flashes of brilliance before battling injuries, is expected to take on a leadership role in the back end of the defense. McClain, a former five-star recruit, is developing into a true shutdown corner and will be one of the top defenders to watch as the season unfolds. Safeties Jordan Castell and Bryce Thornton also bring back experience, which gives the Gators an unusually cohesive defensive backfield for this stage in the program’s rebuilding process.

Another important name to watch is Roderick Kearney, an ascending offensive guard who rounds out Florida’s elite front five. Kearney’s combination of athleticism and strength in the run game has drawn early comparisons to former Gator linemen who successfully transitioned to the NFL. Between Kearney, Slaughter, and Barber, Florida is likely to have at least three offensive linemen drafted in 2026, possibly within the first two rounds.

The decision by so many players to return for one more collegiate season highlights a cultural shift within the Florida program. Many of these athletes could have entered the 2025 NFL Draft and received Day 2 grades. Instead, they chose to stay, betting on themselves, their teammates, and the belief that the Gators are poised to take the next step as a program. It’s a move that also reflects confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to develop talent and elevate player stock through another year in the SEC gauntlet.

Florida’s coaching staff has focused on building around this experienced nucleus. While the team did make some targeted additions in the transfer portal, the emphasis has been on continuity. The Gators return 14 starters from last season, which is among the highest totals in the conference. This continuity not only builds chemistry but also sets the tone for accountability and leadership throughout the locker room.

Special teams, often overlooked, is another area where Florida benefits from returning talent. Kicker Trey Smack is back after converting 18 of 21 field goals last year, showing impressive accuracy and range. Long snapper Rocco Underwood, one of the nation’s best specialists, also returns and will provide stability in critical moments. These players contribute to a well-rounded team that doesn’t just rely on a few stars but features a deep and experienced roster.

The 2025 season represents more than just another chapter in Florida’s rebuilding process—it’s an opportunity to re-establish the Gators as a premier destination for NFL-ready talent. Florida’s legacy includes dozens of successful NFL players, and this year’s group has the potential to restore that pipeline in a major way. If the season goes according to plan, there’s a real possibility that six to eight players from this roster could hear their names called in the first few rounds of next year’s draft.

Expectations in Gainesville are appropriately high. After a few seasons of transition and growing pains, the Gators have the kind of veteran presence, physical identity, and locker-room leadership that suggests they could compete with the best teams in the conference. Much of the focus will be on DJ Lagway’s development and whether the young quarterback can elevate his game and lead the offense with consistency and poise. But surrounding him are seasoned players who have seen the highs and lows of SEC play and are determined to finish their college careers with purpose.

As the 2025 season kicks off, Florida fans can take pride in knowing that their team is built not just for the fall but for the future. This is a group of young men who chose to stay and fight, who believe in their teammates, and who have legitimate NFL aspirations that are likely to be realized very soon. Their talent is unquestionable, their experience is rare, and their hunger for success could make all the difference. Whether they reach ten wins, contend for the SEC East, or push for a major bowl appearance, one thing is clear: this Gators team is stacked with next-level players ready to make their mark on Saturdays—and soon enough, Sundays.