Seven Florida Gators earned preseason All-SEC honors by Phil Steele, the publication announced last week. Three were selected on offense, two on defense, and two on special teams. In addition to the All-SEC selections, four Gators earned preseason All-America honors.
DT Caleb Banks – First Team
Senior defensive tackle Caleb Banks earned First-Team All-SEC and Third-Team All-America. The 6’6, 329-pound defensive lineman broke out throughout the 2024 season, tallying 4.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles in 12 games played. Banks was one of the best defensive tackles in the country over the last month of the season, which garnered plenty of interest from NFL teams. Against Ole Miss and LSU alone, Banks recorded 3.5 sacks and a team high 14 pressures. Banks’ return for his final season was perhaps the biggest ‘addition’ of the offseason and should provide Florida with a rock in the middle of the defensive line in 2025 given his unique ability to rush the passer.
LS Rocco Underwood – First Team
Long snapper Rocco Underwood was one of two Gators to land on Phil Steele’s preseason First-Team All-SEC, joining DT Caleb Banks. Underwood also earned a First-Team All-America selection, the only Gator to be named to the First Team on both lists. The 6’3, 231-pound special teamer won the 2024 Mannelly Award, which is given to college football’s best long snapper. Underwood also named a First-Team All-American (Phil Steele) and All-SEC Second Team for his efforts last season. Underwood will be a redshirt senior in 2025.
OL Jake Slaughter – Second Team
After a First-Team All-American season a year ago, redshirt senior center Jake Slaughter finds himself on the Second Team All-SEC and Second Team All-America lists, according to Phil Steele’s publication. Leading the Gators’ offense with 800 snaps in 2024, Slaughter ranked as the 6th best center in college football, according to Pro Football Focus. Slaughter also graded inside the top 17 in both run and pass block including the 7th best run blocking grade. Slaughter allowed just nine pressures and one sack in 402 pass blocking snaps last season. The 6’5, 294-pound Sparr, Florida native will be one of the most experienced offensive linemen in the country entering 2025 after starting 21 games over the last two seasons.
OL Austin Barber – Second Team
Another starting offensive lineman back for his senior season is Austin Barber, who made preseason Second Team All-SEC ahead of the 2025 season. After a Freshman All-American season in 2022, Barber battled injuries in 2023 before logging 729 snaps in 2024, the second most on the Gators’ offense. The 6’6, 322-pound tackle allowed 13 pressures and two sacks in 367 pass blocking snaps a year ago. Barber is projected to start at left tackle in 2025.
WR Eugene Wilson – Third Team
Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Eugene Wilson is the only Gators skill position player to earn preseason All-SEC recognition, landing on the Third Team according to Phil Steele. Wilson also found his name on the All-America Fourth Team. Wilson made his impact felt immediately in Gainesville, earning Freshman All-American honors after logging 61 receptions for 538 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. The speedy wide receiver only played in four games last season after being sidelined with an injury. It might be a make it or break it year for the Tampa native, who looks to stay healthy and provide DJ Lagway with another lethal and versatile weapon.
Edge Tyreak Sapp – Third Team
After leading Florida with seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss last year, redshirt senior edge rusher Tyreak Sapp earned preseason Third Team All-SEC honors. According to Pro Football Focus, Sapp graded as the 9th best edge defender in college football in 2024. The 6’3, 274 pounder takes pride in run defense, which shows up on tape with his ability to set the edge. Sapp serves as Florida’s team leader and should play a pivotal role in 2025.
K Trey Smack – Third Team
Starting kicker Trey Smack was named preseason All-SEC Third-Team after making 18 of 21 (85.7%) attempts last season. Across the last two seasons, Smack is a three-time SEC Special Teams Player of the Week winner and a two-time Lou Garza Star of the Week. Smack’s career long is 55 yards which he set vs LSU last season. The Maryland native was 5-6 from 40-49 yards last season and 3-4 from 50+. Smack is a perfect 73-73 on extra points in his career.