Florida football is gearing up for the 2026 season with a wide receiver corps that's all about speed. With returning starters Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson, along with Auburn transfer Eric Singleton, the Gators have a trio that can leave defenders in the dust.
Inside wide receivers coach Trent McKnight summed it up nicely: "We like guys that are fast." And speed is just what they'll need in the Air Raid system being installed by new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner.
The potential for four wide receiver sets means plenty of opportunities for these speedsters to shine. McKnight and outside receivers coach Marcus Davis are collaborating to develop this dynamic group.
McKnight emphasized the importance of versatility, training receivers to line up both in the slot and outside, depending on their adaptability in practice. "You want to see how much they can handle," McKnight explained, "but you don't want to stunt their development because you're moving around too much."
Here's a breakdown of the Gators' receiving talent as they head into spring practice on March 3:
Newcomers:
- Eric Singleton Jr., Sr (transfer, Auburn)
- Bailey Stockton, RSo. (transfer, Georgia Tech)
- Micah Mays Jr., Jr. (transfer, Wake Forest)
- Jaylen Lloyd, RJr. (transfer, Oklahoma State)
- Ace Ciongoli, RFr. (transfer, Indiana)
- Davian Groce, Fr.
- Justin Williams, Fr.
- Marquez Daniels, Fr.
Returners:
- Vernell Brown III, So.
- Dallas Wilson, RFr.
- TJ Abrams, RSo.
- Kahleil Jackson, RSr.
- Jaden Edgecombe, RJr.
- Cary Rifenberick, RFr.
Outlook:
Brown and Wilson, as returning starters, are looking to prove their durability this season.
Brown, at 6-foot-3 and 219 pounds, played in only four games last year due to a broken foot. Meanwhile, Wilson missed four games with a separated shoulder.
Yet, when healthy, both were highly productive. Brown snagged 40 catches for a team-high 512 yards, earning freshman All-SEC honors.
Wilson contributed with 12 catches for 174 yards and three touchdowns.
McKnight praised Brown's maturity, noting, "He's got a pro mindset right now." As for Wilson, Davis highlighted his strength and intelligence.
"Super strong guy," Davis said. "He's like a sponge.
He could do it, you know? So he's got really good recall and his play strength is what's separated him so far."
Singleton, standing at 5-10 and 180 pounds, brings another layer of speed. After racking up 58 catches for 534 yards and three touchdowns at Auburn, he's eager to refine his skills further. "We're gonna put our best forward to continue to develop him," Davis remarked.
Incoming freshmen Davian Groce and Justin Williams are also making waves. Groce, a top 100 national recruit and former Texas Class 5A high school 200 meters state champion, brings blazing speed with a 20.66-second time. McKnight is optimistic about Groce's potential: "He's got a bright future ahead."
With this blend of experience and new talent, the Gators' receiving unit is poised to make a significant impact this season.