2025 Florida Football Season Preview: Emerging From The Darkness?

Florida Gators Key Players

• DJ Lagway (QB, So.): The cornerstone of the offense. His dual-threat capabilities and high potential make him a crucial player for the Gators’ aspirations.
• Jadan Baugh (RB, So.): Expected to be a lead back in a deep running back room, Baugh showed flashes of brilliance in 2024 and is poised for a breakout season.
• Eugene Wilson III (WR, Jr.): A dynamic playmaker who led the team in receiving touchdowns in 2023. His return from injury and continued production will be vital for the passing game.
• Dallas Wilson (WR, Fr.): A highly-touted five-star freshman receiver who has already impressed in practices and is expected to make an immediate impact.
• Caleb Banks (DT, R-Sr.): The most proven interior defensive lineman, Banks was a disruptive force in 2024 with 4.5 sacks and 29 quarterback pressures. His leadership and production are essential.
• Tyreak Sapp (DE, R-Sr.): A veteran edge rusher who, along with George Gumbs Jr., will be looked upon to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• Jordan Castell (S, Jr.): A dynamic safety and returning starter who will be a key leader in the secondary.
• Jake Slaughter (C, R-Sr.): An anchor on the offensive line and a consensus preseason All-American pick, providing veteran leadership and stability upfront.

Florida Gators Depth Chart (Projected)

Offense

• QB: DJ Lagway (So.) / Harrison Bailey (Gr.)
• RB: Jadan Baugh (So.) / Ja’Kobi Jackson (R-Sr.) / Treyaun Webb (R-So.)
• WR (X): J. Michael Sturdivant (R-Sr.) / Aidan Mizell (R-So.)
• WR (Z): Dallas Wilson (Fr.) / Tank Hawkins (So.)
• WR (Y/Slot): Eugene Wilson III (R-So.) / Vernell Brown III (Fr.)
• LT: Austin Barber (R-Sr.) / Fletcher Westphal (R-Fr.)
• LG: Knijeah Harris (Jr.) / Kamryn Waites (R-Sr.)
• C: Jake Slaughter (R-Sr.) / Marcus Mascoll (R-Fr.)
• RG: Damieon George Jr. (R-Sr.) / Roderick Kearney (R-So.)
• RT: Bryce Lovett (R-So.) / Devon Manuel (R-Sr.)
• TE: Hayden Hansen (R-Jr.) / Tony Livingston (Jr.)

Defense

• DE: Tyreak Sapp (R-Sr.) / Kamran James (Jr.)
• NT: Jamari Lyons (R-Jr.) / Michai Boireau (So.)
• DT: Caleb Banks (R-Sr.) / Brendan Bett (R-So.)
• JACK (EDGE): George Gumbs Jr. (R-Sr.) / LJ McCray (So.)
• WLB: Myles Graham (So.) / Aaron Chiles (So.)
• MLB: Grayson Howard (Jr.) / Jaden Robinson (Jr.)
• LCB: Devin Moore (Sr.) / Cormani McClain (R-So.)
• SS: Bryce Thornton (Jr.) / Michael Caraway Jr. (R-Sr.)
• FS: Jordan Castell (Jr.) / Drake Stubbs (Fr.)
• RCB: Dijon Johnson (Jr.) / Ben Hanks III (Fr.)
• NB: Sharif Denson (Jr.) / Aaron Gates (R-So.)

Special Teams

• P: Tommy Doman (R-Sr.)
• PK: Trey Smack (Sr.)
• KR: Jadan Baugh (So.) / Tank Hawkins (So.)
• PR: Tank Hawkins (So.) / Vernell Brown III (Fr.)

Full Schedule

Key Games Focus

Here are 2-3 key games that could define Florida’s 2025 season:

1. September 13 at LSU: This early SEC road game is a huge test for the Gators. Death Valley is a notoriously difficult place to play, and a strong performance against a perennial SEC contender would immediately signal Florida’s intentions for the season and provide a significant confidence boost for DJ Lagway.
2. October 4 vs. Texas: This home game against the Longhorns, a national championship contender, is a marquee matchup. Playing a top-ranked team at home offers a massive opportunity for the Gators to prove they belong among the nation’s elite. A win here would be a program-defining moment and could launch Florida into the national conversation.
3. November 1 vs. Georgia (Jacksonville): The annual rivalry game in Jacksonville is always critical. Georgia is consistently one of the top teams in the country, and this game often has significant SEC East implications. While challenging, a victory over their biggest rival would be a monumental achievement for Billy Napier’s tenure and could propel the Gators towards an SEC Championship appearance.