Florida is focused on player retention above everything else right now. The Gators have several key players with one year of eligibility remaining that they believe will be crucial to their success next season. One of those players is defensive lineman Caleb Banks, who announced his plans to return for the 2025 season on Monday afternoon.
“It goes without saying that the University of Florida Football team means everything to me-it’s what I call family. The coaches pour their hearts into us day in and day out, and my teammates play with so much love, passion, and dedication…making it impossible not to love the Florida Football program and the fans. They’re the best part of playing football. Their energy and unwavering support drive us as a team to be the best we can be. After the incredible season Gator Nation just witnessed, I’m more motivated than ever to see what’s in store for next year, and more importantly, to be a part of it. With that being said, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be continuing my career at the University of Florida for my final year of college football. As I prepare for this last lap, I’m ready to give it my all, achieve great things, and proudly represent Gator Nation! Go Gators,” Banks wrote on social media.
Banks’ return could be one of the bigger storylines of the offseason and for the 2025 team. The 6’6, 325-pound defensive lineman went on a tear in the second half of the season, shooting him up NFL Draft boards. Multiple people I talked to said Banks could go as early as the second round.
Against LSU and Ole Miss alone, Banks totaled 3.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles, consistently putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. On the 2024 season, Banks combined for 21 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one pass break up.
Banks graded as Florida’s third best defender this year and held the top pressure grade among interior defensive linemen, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Detroit, Michigan native is a unique player because of his versatility and pass rushing ability. At 325 pounds, Banks can line up over a guard or over a tackle. He even logged 13 snaps outside of the tackle this season as an edge rusher. Banks led the Gators’ defense in pressures (28), QB hits (5) and batted passes (2). Banks’ win rate on true pass sets was 20.0%, which is the highest on the Gators’ defensive line.
Banks played a large role in Florida’s defensive turnaround in the back half of the year. This is the equivalent of landing one of the top defensive tackles in the transfer portal.
Banks’ return lessens Florida’s need for a defensive tackle in the transfer portal. Still, I think it makes sense for Florida to add another big man as the Gators lost Desmond Watson and Cam Jackson to eligibility, who combined for 665 spots this season.
The Florida Gators locked up Caleb Banks for one more year, who should enter the 2025 season as one of the top defensive linemen in the SEC and a centerpiece for Florida’s defense, who look to build on their recent improvements next year.