Florida Edge Rusher George Gumbs Jr. Declares for 2026 NFL Draft After Breakout Run
Florida edge defender George Gumbs Jr. is officially heading to the next level. The senior announced Tuesday that he’s declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, capping off a college career defined by resilience, reinvention, and steady production on both sides of the ball.
Gumbs made the announcement on social media, thanking his family, teammates, and the coaching staffs at both Northern Illinois and Florida for their belief in him and the role they played in his development. His message underscored a journey that’s been anything but conventional - and one that NFL scouts are paying close attention to.
A Unique Path to the Edge
Gumbs didn’t start his college career chasing quarterbacks. In fact, he entered the college ranks as a three-star wide receiver recruit and began his time at Northern Illinois lining up on offense. After redshirting in 2021 and seeing time at tight end and on special teams in 2022 - where he caught four passes for 44 yards - Gumbs made a pivotal switch to defense in 2023.
That move proved to be a turning point.
In his first season as a defensive end, Gumbs played in all 12 games for NIU and started the final seven. He racked up 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, while also forcing two fumbles.
For a player still learning the nuances of the position, those are eye-catching numbers. But more importantly, they showed a natural feel for the edge - a blend of athleticism, physicality, and instincts that made him a problem for opposing offenses.
Making an Impact in the SEC
Gumbs transferred to Florida ahead of the 2024 season, and the jump to SEC competition didn’t slow him down. In his first year with the Gators, he appeared in all 13 games and earned three starts. He finished second on the team in both tackles for loss (8.0) and sacks (5.0), while also recording 35 total tackles, four quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, and a fumble recovery.
It was a strong introduction to SEC football, and Gumbs carried that momentum into 2025. Before his season was cut short by a knee injury suffered against Tennessee, he had emerged as a key piece on Florida’s defensive front.
Over 402 total snaps - including 345 on defense - Gumbs logged 31 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and another fumble recovery. His run defense was particularly stout, earning him a 76.4 grade from Pro Football Focus, with two games graded above 91.0 in that area.
That kind of production, especially in the SEC trenches, doesn’t go unnoticed. PFF currently ranks Gumbs as the No. 28 edge prospect in the 2026 draft class and No. 185 overall on their big board.
What’s Next
Gumbs is set to compete in the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl on January 27 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. It’ll be another chance for him to showcase his versatility and motor in front of NFL evaluators - and to prove that, even with the injury-shortened senior season, he’s ready for the next step.
For a player who’s gone from catching passes to chasing quarterbacks, Gumbs’ journey is a testament to adaptability and work ethic. His tape shows a defender who’s still scratching the surface of what he can become - and with the draft process now underway, he’ll get the opportunity to show just how high his ceiling might be.