The Florida Gators’ remarkable season may have ended just short of a national championship appearance, but the program now faces a critical offseason of transition. A roster loaded with experience and NFL-caliber talent will look much different next season, as several key players are headed to the professional ranks or graduating after helping lead Florida to one of its best campaigns in recent years.
NFL-Bound Talent Leaves Major Holes to Fill
The Gators’ offensive and defensive cores will take a heavy hit with several starters declaring for the NFL Draft.
Jake Slaughter, the anchor of the offensive line, is projected to be a first-round pick after a dominant season at center. His leadership and consistency in both run blocking and pass protection were invaluable for a Florida offense that thrived under quarterback DJ Lagway’s command. Slaughter’s departure leaves a massive void in the middle of the line and will be one of the toughest spots to replace.
At wide receiver, Eugene Wilson III is projected to go in the fourth round after a strong season as one of Lagway’s most reliable playmakers. Wilson’s quickness and route-running ability made him a nightmare for defenses, and his presence in the slot helped stretch the field all year long.
On the defensive side, Tyreak Sapp and Caleb Banks will both test their luck in the NFL Draft. Sapp, a projected fifth-round pick, was a force on the edge, bringing relentless energy and physicality off the line. Banks, a fourth-round projection at defensive tackle, helped form one of the most disruptive interior duos in the SEC. Together, they anchored a defensive front that set the tone for the Gators’ physical style of play.
Protecting Lagway’s blindside all year was Austin Barber, who is also expected to hear his name called in the fifth round. Barber was a steady presence at left tackle and a major reason the Gators’ offense found so much success both through the air and on the ground.
With all five of these starters departing for the draft, Florida will be losing not only talent but veteran leadership that was instrumental to this year’s playoff run.
Graduating Seniors Close Out Their Gator Careers
Beyond the draft declarations, several other key contributors will not be returning due to graduation, marking the end of their collegiate journeys.
J. Michael Sturdivant, who transferred in and became a dependable receiving option, will graduate after leaving his mark on the Gators’ offense. Devin Moore, a steady presence at cornerback, will also move on after providing leadership in the secondary.
On special teams, both Tommy Doman (punter) and Trey Smack (kicker) are graduating, leaving Florida with a complete overhaul of its kicking unit. Both were reliable specialists who consistently gave the Gators an advantage in field position and scoring efficiency.
Jakobi Jackson, the veteran running back, and Damieon George Jr., the starting right guard, round out the list of graduates. Each played a key role in Florida’s offensive balance, helping the Gators develop into one of the SEC’s most efficient and physical units.
Recruiting Class Brings Hope, But Portal Will Be Key
Despite the heavy attrition, there’s optimism in Gainesville. Florida has already secured a top-25 recruiting class, headlined by several talented prospects who could push for early playing time. However, with so many veterans departing, the Gators will need to lean heavily on the transfer portal to fill critical holes—especially along the offensive and defensive lines.
The recruiting staff have proven capable of reloading quickly, but this offseason will test their ability to blend incoming freshmen, portal talent, and returning veterans into another championship-caliber roster.
The departure of so many leaders marks the end of an era for the 2025 Gators, but it also opens the door for new stars to emerge. With DJ Lagway expected to return and several young talents ready to step up, Florida won’t be rebuilding—it’ll be retooling.
If the right additions are made this offseason, the Gators have every chance to make another deep run in 2026 and keep the program’s upward trajectory rolling.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s 2025 season will be remembered for its grit, leadership, and near-championship finish. But the true story of this offseason will be how quickly the Gators can replace the heart and soul of that roster. With NFL talent leaving and graduation claiming several mainstays, the challenge ahead is steep—but in Gainesville, the expectations remain sky-high.
