As Senior Bowl week gets underway in Mobile, the spotlight is already finding some familiar faces - especially for Florida Gators fans. Four former Gators are in attendance, each hoping to make a strong impression on NFL scouts ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Offensive linemen Austin Barber and Jake Slaughter, along with defensive linemen Caleb Banks and Tyreak Sapp, are all in the mix. And on Day 1 of practice, two of them gave fans a moment they won’t soon forget.
Gator-on-Gator: Slaughter vs. Banks in the trenches
It’s not often that college teammates square off in a nationally scouted setting like the Senior Bowl, but that’s exactly what happened when center Jake Slaughter lined up across from defensive lineman Caleb Banks. Sure, they probably clashed plenty of times in practice back in Gainesville, but this time the cameras were rolling - and the footage made its way around social media in a hurry.
The rep itself was more than just a drill. It was a showcase of two players who’ve taken very different paths to this point, each with something to prove.
Slaughter, who spent five seasons with the Gators, redshirted in 2021 before gradually working his way into the starting lineup. By his third year, he had locked down the center position and became a steady presence on Florida’s offensive line. His game is built on technique and toughness - the kind of traits that translate well in these all-star settings where cohesion is limited and individual performance stands out.
On the other side, Caleb Banks is a different kind of story. He began his college career at Louisville before transferring to Florida, where he quickly flashed star potential.
But 2025 was a frustrating year for the defensive lineman, as injuries limited his availability and disrupted his momentum. Still, when healthy, Banks showed the kind of burst and power that can wreck plays from the interior.
Their one-on-one rep was brief, but it gave scouts a glimpse into the kind of edge both players bring. And for Florida fans, it was a treat - a rare chance to see two familiar names go head-to-head, this time with NFL futures on the line.
Even former Gator offensive lineman Trevor Sikkema, now with Pro Football Focus, was on hand watching the action unfold. The scene had fans joking online that he might just throw on pads and join in. That’s the kind of energy the Senior Bowl brings - a mix of nostalgia, competition, and opportunity.
Barber and Sapp still in the mix
While it was Slaughter and Banks who grabbed the early headlines, Austin Barber and Tyreak Sapp are very much part of the conversation this week. Barber, a staple at tackle for the Gators, has the size and footwork that teams covet on the edge.
Sapp, meanwhile, brings versatility and high motor off the defensive line. Their reps haven’t gone viral yet, but that doesn’t mean they’re not turning heads behind the scenes.
The Senior Bowl is more than just a game - it’s a week-long job interview, and every snap matters. For these former Gators, it’s a chance to rise up draft boards and show they belong at the next level. And if Day 1 is any indication, they’re off to a strong start.
With more practices ahead and the game still to come, the spotlight will only grow. But for now, Florida fans can enjoy a little offseason pride - watching their guys battle it out on a national stage, chasing the dream they’ve been working toward for years.