Every year under head coach Billy Napier we’ve seen true freshman find significant playing time. In 2022, it was Trevor Etienne, Caleb Douglas, Devin Moore, Kamari Wilson, and Shemar James. In 2023, it was Jordan Castell, Bryce Thornton, Eugene Wilson, Kelby Collins, and TJ Searcy. In 2024, it was Jadan Baugh, DJ Lagway, Myles Graham, and LJ McCray.
Florida has a more experienced and talented team in 2025, so it’s going to be more difficult for true freshman to crack the rotation come SEC play. However, there’s been several standout freshmen in spring and fall camp that are pushing for immediate playing time.
Gator Country provides you with five true freshmen to watch out for in 2025.
Edge Jayden Woods
Upon arrival in Gainesville, Jayden Woods immediately took the strength records from teammate George Gumbs Jr. You read that correctly, a freshman from Shawnee, Kansas could be considered the strongest player in Florida’s edge room. We’ve heard all about his work ethic in the weight room, his late-night film sessions with teammates, and his athleticism on the football field. He’s been described as a relentless worker, who’s already drawing comparisons to redshirt senior Tyreak Sapp by teammates.
The 6’3, 248-pound edge rusher is quick off the edge and displays elite bend around the tackles. Woods is as advanced as you can be for a true freshman and will battle for playing time at a competitive JACK position. With LJ McCray’s injury status unclear for the start of the season, we could be seeing a lot of Woods as early as week one.
WR Vernell Brown III
Billy Napier has raved about Vernell Brown III in recent weeks, claiming he’s one of the emerging players in fall camp. It’s not hard to see why Brown III’s skillet warrants early playing time. His short area quickness and burst off the line of scrimmage is among the best on the team. Brown III is an explosive play waiting to happen when the ball finds him given his unique run after the catch ability.
With a few receivers banged up during fall camp, the 5’11.25, 178 pound receiver has taken advantage of his increased reps and gained the trust of the coaching staff. Brown III could also see time at punt return.
WR Dallas Wilson
Another member of Florida’s talented 2025 receiver class is Dallas Wilson. After enrolling for the spring semester, Wilson tied the Orange and Blue game record with 195 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 10 receptions. The 6’3, 213-pound freshman has the size and speed to make an immediate impact in the SEC.
Wilson can do everything on the football field behind advanced route running, speed, and body control. He’ll beat you at all three levels of the defense. Wilson is currently dealing with a lower body injury, although it’s not expected to keep him out for a significant period of time. When Wilson returns, he could immediately become of the country’s best freshman receivers.
CB Ben Hanks III
The Gators have three cornerbacks they feel great about in Devin Moore, Dijon Johnson, and Cormani McClain. If history reports itself, Florida will need a fourth cornerback to make a significant contribution in 2025. With mostly younger and inexperienced depth behind those three, I believe the next in line for snaps is freshman Ben Hanks III.
Hanks III was the lightest scholarship cornerback on the roster during spring camp, weighing in at just 180 pounds. After an impressive offseason in the weight room, Hanks III now weighs 192 pounds and looks more like an SEC cornerback.
Hanks III had reportedly taken strides on the football field during fall camp, according to multiple teammates.
“You can definitely see that he’s way more comfortable out there, playing way faster and making some great plays,” Devin Moore said on Hanks III.
Building depth in the secondary was a large emphasis for Florida’s staff throughout camp, and Hanks III is one of the guys they needed growth from.
DB Lagonza Hayward
Freshman defensive back Lagonza Hayward is one of emerging players at safety behind Jordan Castell and Bryce Thornton, according to Napier. Hayward was a top 100 overall prospect and the eighth ranked safety in the 2025 class, according to 247’s composite ranking.
Not only will Hayward provide depth at safety, but he’s also working at the nickel / STAR position. With the physical nature of that position and Aaron Gates only nine months off an ACL injury, Hayward may find playing time at nickel / STAR, especially early in the season.