Florida football is right around the corner, with fall camp set to begin on Aug. 5. Gator Country’s roster preview series continues with a look at interior defensive line room. If you missed it, be sure to check out our cornerback preview.
Let’s break it down.
R-Jr. Brendan Bett
The most productive interior defensive lineman on the roster is redshirt junior Brendan Bett, who put together a strong 2025 campaign with 39 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three sacks.
During the middle of spring camp, head coach Jon Sumrall singled out Bett as a tone setter in the trenches. Coaches and teammates have praised his work ethic in the weight room this offseason, as well his physicality on the field. In an interview with Stadium and Gale, Bett said he has gained 12 pounds of lean muscle under new strength and conditioning coach Rusty Whitt.
Bett is expected to start at defensive tackle and should be the anchor of the unit in 2026.
So. Joseph Mbatchou
Joseph Mbatchou played in nine games during his freshman campaign, recording 11 tackles and one tackle for loss across 134 snaps.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 323 pounds, Mbatchou is one of the most physically imposing players on Florida’s roster. In an effort to add weight and transition into the nose tackle position, Mbatchou gained 23 pounds this offseason, highlighting his commitment in the weight room.
Mbatchou is still relatively new to football, having only started playing as a high school senior. The fact that he was able to contribute as a true freshman without enrolling early for spring practice speaks volumes about his work ethic and athletic ability.
Mbatchou is a strong, explosive presence on the interior and should provide Florida with a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line. His ceiling is extremely high entering his sophomore season.
So. Jeramiah McCloud
Another sophomore I think could be in line for a breakout season is Jeramiah McCloud. The 6-foot-3, 299-pound defensive lineman saw action in 11 games during his freshman campaign, recording 13 tackles. He was extremely productive in Florida’s upset win over Texas, generating three quarterback pressures on just 13 pass-rushing snaps. He also had a strong performance against Tennessee in run support.
McCloud had an impressive spring camp, routinely flashing during scrimmages. He’s twitchy off the line of scrimmage and maintains impressive body control for his size. He’s also a reliable tackler.
R-Jr. DK Kalu
Searching for depth along the interior defensive line, Florida added Baylor transfer DK Kalu through the transfer portal. Kalu appeared in nine games for the Bears last season, recording 11 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.
At 6-foot-3 and 308 pounds, Kalu isn’t as explosive off the line of scrimmage as some of Florida’s other interior defensive linemen, but he plays with a strong base and a relentless motor. Kalu put together a strong spring camp and is expected to contribute in 2026.
R-Sr. Jamari Lyons
Jamari Lyons returned in 2025 after missing the entire 2024 season with an injury, starting five games and appearing in all 12. He recorded 18 tackles and one tackle for loss.
Lyons hasn’t quite returned to his 2023 form after suffering a devastating ankle dislocation, but with his first fully healthy offseason behind him, there’s optimism he can regain that level of play in 2026. Lyons can play both interior spots.
R-Jr. Mason Clinton
ransferring from Southern Miss, Mason Clinton appeared in 12 games last season, recording 16 tackles (10 solo) and 1.5 tackles for loss. Florida’s staff added Clinton because of his upside. At 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, Clinton is a lengthy presence along the interior defensive line.
Clinton still has to improve from a technique standpoint, according to defensive line coach Gerald Chatman. He also missed the second half of spring camp with an injury.
Fr. Kendall Guervil
Kendall Guervil is one of two freshman interior defensive linemen on the roster. He missed spring camp while recovering from a knee injury suffered in high school. At 6-foot-5 and 329 pounds, Guervil already possesses SEC-ready size and has the potential to make an impact as a true freshman if he can get healthy.
Guervil recorded 172 tackles and 26 tackles for loss in his high school career.
Fr. Stive-Bentley Keumajou Yondui
In recent news, Stive-Bentley Keumajou Yondui has decided to reclassify into the 2026 recruiting class and will enroll at Florida immediately. He is expected to arrive on campus in time for the start of fall camp.
Originally from England, Keumajou Yondui moved to the United States in June 2025. At 6-foot-2 and 295 pounds, he already possesses the size and athleticism needed to compete in the SEC.
A multi-sport athlete, Keumajou Yondui also played basketball and soccer at Coral Gables High School as a junior.
Final thoughts
The interior defensive line is a group I grew more comfortable with throughout spring camp. Depth was my biggest concern entering the offseason, but the play of returner Jeramiah McCloud and Baylor transfer DK Kalu helped ease some of those concerns.
Florida can also get creative by moving the physical Emmanuel Oyebadejo inside, which sources tell Gator Country is part of the plan in certain packages.
Overall, it’s not a group with a ton of experience, and Florida is counting on second-year players Joseph Mbatchou and Jeramiah McCloud to take significant steps forward. Still, it’s a unit with plenty of upside.