The Florida Gators have wrapped up fall camp and are transitioning into game-week preparation. Early next week, Florida will release its first depth chart of the 2026 season.
Gator Country provides its projection.
JACK: So. Jayden Woods, Fr. KJ Ford OR Sr. (5th) Kofi Asare
Notes and analysis
Jayden Woods is likely Florida’s best defender, but the increased depth behind him has been a major storyline this offseason. KJ Ford has flashed throughout the offseason, including in the spring game. He’s just a freshman, but he’s strong and incredibly talented. Jon Sumrall noted Monday that Kofi Asare has been the surprise of fall camp.
Defensive end
DE: Jr. LJ McCray, Sr, Kamran James OR Sr. (5th year) Emmanuel Oyebadejo
Notes and analysis
This is a tricky position group to figure out when it comes to playing time. I picked LJ McCray to start because I thought he had the best offseason, but Kamran James is an experienced player coming off his best season yet. Florida also invested heavily to land Emmanuel Oyebadejo out of the portal. While still somewhat raw, he’s 6-foot-6, 299 pounds and can run with the best players at his size.
The reality is all three will see the field in some capacity. I have a feeling Oyebadejo will move inside at times this season.
Interior defensive line
DT: Sr. Brendan Bett, Sr. DK Kalu, Sr. Mason Clinton
NT: So. Jeramiah McCloud, So. Joseph Mbatchou, Sr. (5th) Jamari Lyons
Notes and analysis
Jeramiah McCloud is a change on the depth chart for me after a promising offseason. He’s a twitchy tackle who can both defend the run and rush the quarterback. As I mentioned earlier, I would not be surprised if Oyebadejo sees some time at defensive tackle.
Linebacker
WLB: Jr. Myles Graham, So. Ty Jackson
MLB: Jr. Aaron Chiles, Sr. Jaden Robinson, So. Myles Johnson
SLB: Jr. Aaron Chiles, Fr. Malik Morris
Notes and analysis
Florida’s linebacker room returns the big three of Myles Graham, Jaden Robinson and Aaron Chiles. The number of linebackers on the field will depend on the formation, which is why I have Chiles listed as a starter twice. Ultimately, you can label all three as starters. They have cross-trained at all three positions.
The Gators’ staff feels good about the increased depth this offseason, with second-year linebackers Myles Johnson and Ty Jackson also in the mix.
Cornerback
CB1: So. Ben Hanks III, Sr. Cormani McClain, Sr. (5th) Jordy Lowery
CB2: Sr. Dijon Johnson, So. J’Vari Flowers, So. Onis Konanbanny OR Fr. CJ Bronaugh
Notes and analysis
Second-year cornerback Ben Hanks III has jumped all the way up to CB1 after a strong offseason. Either Cormani McClain or Dijon Johnson will start alongside him. I’m going with Johnson because I believe he’s more consistent, but both will play a ton. J’Vari Flowers is in the mix as well.
Freshman CJ Bronaugh has completely transformed his body and could provide added depth on the two-deep.
Safety
SS: Sr. Bryce Thorton, So. Lagonza Hayward, So. Drake Stubbs
FS: Sr. DJ Coleman, Jr. Cam Dooley, Sr. (5th year) Alfonzo Allen Jr.
Notes and analysis
Florida’s safety room is deeper than it was last year. Baylor transfer DJ Coleman was a welcome addition, and Thornton returned for his senior year after a strong junior campaign. Hayward is a year older and Dooley transferred in from Kentucky.
STAR
STAR: Sr. Kanye Clark, So. Elijah Owens, Fr. Dylan Purter
Notes and analysis
I ranked this depth chart based on the positions Florida lists on its roster. While UCLA transfer Kanye Clark will be firmly in the mix at STAR, Florida is expected to play several safeties there as well, depending on the opposing team’s personnel. Thornton, Coleman, Allen and even cornerback J’Vari Flowers have all repped at STAR.