Florida’s pass-catching group is suddenly getting some real national attention.
CBS Sports put the Gators at No. 7 in its ranking of the top 10 pass-catching units in college football ahead of the 2026 season, a notable nod for a room that hasn’t drawn a ton of buzz during the buildup to Jon Sumrall’s first year in Gainesville. Oregon landed at No. 1, followed by Miami (Fl.), Texas, Tennessee and Ohio State. Texas A&M came in at No. 6, with Indiana, Alabama and Clemson filling out the rest of the list.
That recognition makes sense when you look at how much Florida kept together and how much it added. After the 2025 season, the Gators made retaining key pieces a priority across the roster, including running back Jadan Baugh, defensive end Jayden Woods, linebackers Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles, and safety Bryce Thornton. Florida also held onto a major chunk of its roster while bringing in more than 50 players through the transfer portal and the high school ranks.
At receiver, Florida brought back Vernell Brown III, Dallas Wilson and TJ Abrams. The Gators also added freshmen Davian Groce, Justin Williams and Marquez Daniel, while the portal haul included Bailey Stockton, Eric Singleton Jr., Jaylen Lloyd and Micah Mays Jr. Tight end got a boost too, with Amir Jackson returning after a brief flirtation with the transfer portal and Luke Harpring and Lacota Dippre joining the room.
Among that group, Eric Singleton stands out as the headliner. Florida’s new-look offense has a receiver with polished route running, elite speed and the ability to separate from defenders and find space consistently.
He’s also dangerous after the catch and catches the ball naturally away from his body. The one thing Florida will want to lean into is the vertical game, because his speed is the kind that can change a defense if he’s getting two or three deep shots every week.
Brown gives the Gators another proven target after hauling in 40 catches for more than 500 yards last season. He can threaten defenses downfield, but his best work comes in the intermediate areas.
Wilson is the wild card with the highest ceiling. When he’s healthy, he looks the part, and his frame helps him win contested balls.
He only played in four games last season, though, so injuries have slowed that momentum. Still, he brings size, speed and enough open-field ability to make defenders miss once the ball is in his hands.
In Other News...
Jadan Baugh Just Sent A Bold Message About Florida's Defense
Jadan Baugh spent his time at SEC Media Days sounding less like a running back and more like a believer in what Florida is trying to build on the other side of the ball. With Jon Sumrall overseeing a roster overhaul and Buster Faulkner stepping in to guide an offense that still has plenty to sort out, Baugh pointed to the Gators defense as the unit that can help steady things early. He described it as fast and electric, the kind of group that should make life difficult for opponents once the season starts.
For Baugh, the message was about more than just praise from the sideline. He also talked about the leadership role he sees for himself on a team filled with transfers and younger players, saying he is trying to become the best leader he can in that setting. If Florida is going to lean on its defense the way it hopes, that kind of voice inside the locker room could matter just as much as the speed and energy Baugh sees on the field. [Read more 🡒]
Jadan Baugh Suddenly Sits At The Center Of Florida's QB Uncertainty
Floridas quarterback picture remains unsettled as the staff works through a competition between transfer Aaron Philo and freshman Tramell Jones Jr., with the expectation that both will have a role. In the middle of that conversation sits Jadan Baugh, who has been lined up for more than the usual running back duties as offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner looks for ways to keep the offense flexible.
Baughs versatility gives Florida another layer to sort out while the quarterback battle plays out, especially with the staff still deciding how it wants to deploy him. The open question is less about whether he will be involved and more about how far the Gators are willing to go with that package as they settle on a starter and build out the rest of the offense. [Read more 🡒]
Jon Sumrall Just Raised A Major Red Flag For Florida's Offense
After 15 spring practices, Jon Sumrall left with a clear concern about Floridas offense, and it starts up front. The Gators offensive line did not leave the kind of impression he wanted when he first arrived in Gainesville, and he described that unit as underwhelming before the group had a chance to reset and attack the offseason work ahead.
There is still some optimism built into the roster, though, because Sumrall pointed to Jadan Baugh and a talented group of receivers as players who can help steady the offense while the line sorts itself out. The bigger question now is whether summer training camp can turn that early red flag into something closer to a strength before the season begins. [Read more 🡒]