Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
By Chris Marler
Today, we head to Gainesville to talk about this year’s Florida Gators. ‘
The Defensive Front
There have been some really good players in Gainesville over the last several years despite how bad the program has been. That’s especially the case on the defensive side of the ball.
They’ve had at least one player drafted from the defensive line in six of the past seven years. Last season, they had two players drafted off the defensive front, including Caleb Banks, who was taken in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 18 overall pick.
Despite losing multiple players in the draft, this year’s defensive front is expected to be the best in a decade.
After speaking with Neil Blackmon from Saturday Down South and Brandon Olsen from Locked On Florida, both echoed a similar sentiment.
“Brendan Bett is who I expect to be the best player on the front, Jayden Woods stepping into year two and first year starting, Joseph Mbatchou moving to the nose,” said Olsen.
Florida DL Brendan Bett was ejected after appearing to spit on another player. pic.twitter.com/VNfvjw15dF
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 7, 2025
Whoever steps up will be a significant upgrade from the past fronts they have fielded at Florida. The Gators have finished in the bottom three in the SEC in rush defense in each of the past four years. Over the last six years, they have never finished above tenth in the same statistic. They’ve also struggled at getting pressure, ranking tenth or worse in the league sacks in three of the past four years and 13th or worse in tackles for loss in two of the past three.
Jon Sumrall’s 2026 team has drawn most of the attention for what it could do offensively. That’s what happens when you poach one of the best offensive coordinators in the country from Georgia Tech and bring in some elite offensive talent like Eric Singleton Jr. at wide receiver to pair with Jadan Baugh at running back.
The defensive line, however, could be the best in a decade or more, and that is something we aren’t talking about enough.
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